The bustling streets of Kolkata's Posta wholesale market fell silent on Tuesday as news spread of a tragic suicide that has shaken the business community to its core. Hemant Sarda, a 57-year-old established trader, ended his life in what family members describe as a desperate act driven by overwhelming anxiety about the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
A Life Cut Short by Fear
According to police reports and family accounts, Sarda had been experiencing severe stress for months about potentially being excluded from the citizenship registry. "He couldn't sleep properly for weeks," revealed a relative who wished to remain anonymous. "The uncertainty was eating him alive."
The incident occurred at his Posta residence around 10:30 AM on Tuesday when other family members were away. Sarda was discovered unconscious by his wife upon her return and was immediately rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Growing Mental Health Crisis
This tragedy highlights the severe psychological toll that citizenship verification processes are taking on communities across West Bengal. Mental health professionals in the region report a significant increase in anxiety disorders and depression cases linked to NRC-related concerns.
"When people live in constant fear of losing their identity and citizenship, the psychological impact can be devastating," noted Dr. Ananya Chatterjee, a Kolkata-based psychologist. "We're seeing more patients with acute anxiety specifically tied to documentation and citizenship issues."
Family Left in Shock and Grief
Sarda's family described him as a hardworking businessman who had built his wholesale electronics business from scratch over three decades. He is survived by his wife and two college-going children, who are now grappling with the sudden loss.
"He was always worried about what would happen to our family if he couldn't prove his citizenship," his eldest son told investigators. "The pressure became too much for him to bear."
Community Reaction and Police Response
Local business owners in Posta market expressed shock and solidarity with the grieving family. Many acknowledged similar anxieties within their own circles but never imagined it would lead to such an extreme outcome.
Burrabazar police station has registered a case of unnatural death and continues to investigate the circumstances. "We found no suicide note at the scene," confirmed investigating officer Subrata Das. "However, family statements clearly point to NRC-related stress as the primary factor."
This incident marks yet another tragic chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding citizenship verification in India, raising urgent questions about the human cost of bureaucratic processes and the need for better mental health support systems during times of national uncertainty.
