A 54-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) from North 24 Parganas, Sushanta Tikadar, suffered a severe cardiac arrest on Wednesday while performing his official duties. The incident occurred at his residence in Bongaon, where he was deeply engrossed in preparing documents related to the SIR (Special Intelligence Branch Report).
Work Pressure Triggers Health Crisis
According to his distressed daughter, Tikadar was under tremendous stress due to the demanding SIR work. This immense pressure caused a sudden and dangerous spike in his blood pressure, leading to his collapse. He is currently undergoing emergency treatment at a local hospital, with his condition being closely monitored by medical professionals.
A Disturbing Pattern Emerges
This alarming event is not isolated. In a deeply concerning parallel, another Booth Level Officer stationed in Gosaba also allegedly suffered a heart attack just a day earlier, on Tuesday. These back-to-back incidents have raised serious questions about the immense pressure and potential health risks faced by grassroots-level government officials.
Broader Implications and Concerns
The health emergencies involving two BLOs within two days highlight a critical issue of occupational stress. These officials are often the backbone of field-level administration, and their well-being is paramount for the smooth functioning of governance. This situation calls for an urgent review of the workload and stress management protocols for government staff, particularly those involved in intensive documentation and reporting tasks like the SIR.