A Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district was found dead in a tragic incident that has raised serious questions about work pressure on election officials. The body of 52-year-old BLO Vijay Kumar was discovered hanging at his residence in the Mandawar area on Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Family Points Finger at SIR Duty Stress
The family of the deceased has made a grave allegation, directly linking his death to the immense stress caused by his recent assignment to Summary Revision of the Electoral Roll (SIR) duties. According to his grieving relatives, Vijay Kumar had been under severe mental strain due to the demanding nature of the work associated with updating and verifying voter lists. They claim the constant pressure and the burden of responsibilities tied to his role as a BLO became unbearable for him.
Vijay Kumar was a resident of Mohalla Bazaar Samiti in Mandawar. The local police, upon receiving information, arrived at the scene and sent the body for a post-mortem examination. While an investigation is ongoing, the preliminary evidence and the family's statements have cast a spotlight on the working conditions of grassroots election officials.
Official Response and Investigation
Authorities have confirmed the incident and are treating it with utmost seriousness. Station House Officer (SHO) of Mandawar police station, Anil Kumar, stated that the police are investigating all angles surrounding the death. The post-mortem report will be a crucial piece of evidence in determining the exact circumstances.
The case has prompted discussions about the support system and mental health resources available for government officials, especially those like BLOs who work at the frontline of India's democratic process. The SIR is a critical periodic exercise to ensure a clean and accurate electoral roll, but it involves extensive fieldwork, data verification, and tight deadlines, which can be a source of significant stress.
A Community in Mourning and Broader Implications
The untimely death of Vijay Kumar has left his family devastated and the local community in mourning. As a Booth Level Officer, he was a familiar face in his area, responsible for managing voter registration and serving as a key link between the Election Commission and the public.
This incident raises urgent questions about the workload and psychological well-being of BLOs across India. While the police investigation continues to establish the definitive cause, the allegations made by the family highlight a potential systemic issue that demands attention from election authorities. It underscores the need for a review of duty structures, provision of adequate support, and mechanisms to address stress among officials entrusted with the fundamental task of maintaining democracy's backbone—the electoral roll.
The tragedy in Bijnor serves as a somber reminder of the human cost often overlooked in the administrative machinery of elections. The outcome of the probe is awaited, as the community seeks answers and closure.
