BLO Notice Incident Leads to Fatal Cardiac Arrest in Cooch Behar
In a tragic incident in Cooch Behar district, a 65-year-old man succumbed to cardiac arrest after visiting the house of a booth-level officer (BLO) over a notice served to his son. The event has sparked controversy and raised questions about the procedures during election revision processes.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Rahaman Bastadar, a resident of Khatebari, passed away on Saturday at the residence of a BLO in Pardubi Gram Panchayat under Mathabhanga. The elderly man had rushed to the BLO's home after learning that his younger son, Aminur, had received a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notice. The notice was reportedly issued over a minor spelling mistake in electoral records.
Upon arrival, Rahaman suffered a severe cardiac arrest. He was immediately rushed to the Mathabhanga Subdivisional Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead upon arrival. His elder son, Hafizul, recounted the distressing sequence of events, stating, "My father hurried to the BLO's house as soon as he found out about Aminur's notice. He experienced a major attack there and could not survive until reaching the hospital."
Political Reactions and Accountability
Following the incident, local Trinamool Congress leaders visited Rahaman's family to offer condolences. Sablu Barman, the chairperson of the Mathabhanga-II panchayat samiti, publicly held the Election Commission responsible for the death. Barman emphasized that the pressure and stress induced by the SIR notice delivery process contributed directly to the fatal outcome.
This accusation has ignited a debate on the methods employed during electoral revisions and the potential psychological impact on citizens.
Separate Attack on BLO in Dinhata
In a related and alarming development, another BLO was attacked with sharp weapons in Gitakdaha, Dinhata, on Friday evening. The victim, Manowar Hussein, who serves as the BLO for booth 6/272 in the Sitai assembly constituency, was assaulted while visiting the homes of individuals who had received SIR notices.
According to reports, two unidentified miscreants struck Hussein on the head with sharp objects. His screams alerted nearby residents, who rushed to his aid and managed to apprehend one of the alleged attackers, identified as Rahid Haque. The other assailant escaped from the scene.
Hussein, currently receiving treatment at Dinhata hospital, provided insight into his duties, saying, "In my booth, 150 people received SIR notices. I had only five deliveries left to complete when I was attacked." The police have launched an investigation into this violent incident to determine the motives and identify the fleeing suspect.
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
These back-to-back incidents have cast a spotlight on the challenges and risks associated with the election revision process in West Bengal. The use of SIR notices, intended for intensive verification of electoral rolls, appears to be generating significant tension and anxiety among the populace.
Key concerns emerging from these events include:
- The emotional and physical stress placed on elderly family members during such administrative procedures.
- The safety and security of BLOs who are on the front lines of these revision drives.
- The need for more sensitive and streamlined communication methods to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
As investigations proceed, the community and authorities are urged to reflect on these practices to ensure that electoral integrity does not come at the cost of citizen well-being and official safety.
