A 95-year-old man from West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district died by suicide on Tuesday, with his family attributing the tragic incident to the stress and anxiety caused by the ongoing voter list revision process.
Narayan Chandra Bhowmick, a resident of Baruipur's Uttar Panchpota area, was found dead in his home. The nonagenarian had reportedly been experiencing extreme distress about potential discrepancies in the electoral rolls that might remove his name from the voter list.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
According to family members, Bhowmick had been deeply troubled by the voter list revision exercise. "He was constantly worried that his name might be deleted from the voter list," revealed a family member. "The fear of losing his voting rights tormented him day and night."
The elderly citizen had reportedly visited the local Block Development Office multiple times to verify his voter status, but the uncertainty continued to plague him.
Police Investigation Underway
Local authorities have confirmed the incident and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. "We have registered a case of unnatural death and are conducting a thorough investigation," stated a police official from Baruipur police station.
Preliminary investigations suggest no foul play, with evidence pointing toward suicide. The body has been sent for postmortem examination as part of standard procedure.
Broader Implications for Electoral Process
This tragic incident highlights the immense psychological pressure that vulnerable sections of society, particularly senior citizens, might face during electoral processes. The case raises important questions about:
- The need for elderly-friendly voter verification systems
- Better communication channels between election authorities and citizens
- Mental health support during administrative processes
- Simplified procedures for senior citizens in electoral exercises
As West Bengal continues its voter list revision, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the human impact of bureaucratic processes on the most vulnerable members of our society.
