Malda Teacher and Booth Level Officer Dies Amid Alleged Electoral Roll Stress
A tragic incident has unfolded in Malda, where a 56-year-old teacher serving as a booth level officer (BLO) during the ongoing revision of poll rolls passed away after falling ill at his home. The death has sparked allegations of excessive workload and stress related to the Election Commission's processes.
Details of the Incident
Mohammad Anikul Alam, a geography teacher at Kaliachak High School and a resident of Bishwaspara, was found unwell at his Sujapur residence late on Wednesday. He was initially treated at a primary health centre and released, but his condition worsened overnight. Early Thursday, he suffered a severe heart attack and was rushed to Sujapur Block Hospital, then to a private nursing home in English Bazaar, where he succumbed around 9 am.
Alam had been living in Sujapur for 25 years, despite having ancestral roots in Harishchandrapur. He was in charge of booth number 144 under the Sujapur assembly constituency.
Allegations of Stress and Pressure
According to his family and local sources, Alam faced multiple challenges that contributed to his distress. His wife, Staleha Khatun, has been battling a prolonged illness, adding to his personal burdens. However, the primary trigger appears to be the intense pressure from the Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
On Wednesday, Alam received a list from the Block Development Officer (BDO) office containing 44 names that could not be mapped and required rechecking. Shockingly, his own name was included on this list, despite him being a regular voter for years. This came after he and his family had attended a hearing on January 2 regarding the matter.
The sudden demand for re-verification caused him to panic. He visited the Kaliachak-I BDO office in the afternoon seeking a solution but found no redress. After returning home, he began feeling unwell, leading to the tragic events.
Political Fallout and Accusations
The incident has ignited a heated political exchange in the region. Rahim Bakshi, the MLA and Malda district Trinamool Congress president, along with spokesperson Ashish Kundu, blamed the Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They labeled the SIR work pressure as "harassment and torture" and suggested that the poll panel should be held responsible for what they termed a "murder."
In response, BJP leaders, including state secretary Amlan Bhaduri and Malda South district president Ajay Gangopadhyay, dismissed these claims. They stated that Alam was already indisposed and accused the Trinamool Congress of spreading panic and playing politics over a tragic death.
Aftermath and Investigation
Alam's body was sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The case has drawn attention to the pressures faced by booth level officers during electoral processes, raising questions about workload management and support systems.
This incident underscores the human toll that can accompany administrative duties, especially in high-stakes environments like election preparations. It remains to be seen how authorities will address the concerns raised by Alam's family and the local community.
