Violence Erupts in North Dinajpur After Man's Suicide Over Wife's Electoral Hearing Notice
Violence broke out in Itahar, located in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal, on Thursday following the tragic suicide of a 57-year-old man. The incident, which has sparked political tensions, occurred after the man's family claimed he took his own life due to anxieties related to his wife receiving a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing notice from electoral authorities.
Details of the Suicide Incident
Chandu Sarkar, aged 57 and a resident of Muralipukur village under the Itahar police station jurisdiction, was reportedly deeply distressed after his wife, Zinnatur Khatun, received a notice for an electoral hearing. According to family members, Khatun had a missing link in her records, and the hearing was scheduled for Thursday. Mukleshur Sarkar, Chandu's brother, stated, "My brother was very anxious about the fate of his family and had stopped speaking over the past few days." On Thursday morning, Chandu left his home and was later found hanging from a tree by neighbors, who raised an alarm upon discovering his body.
Escalation into Violence and Disruption
As news of Chandu's suicide spread, a group of angry villagers stormed Itahar High School, where the SIR hearings were being conducted alongside regular classes. The protesters forcibly entered the hearing room, ransacking the office and assaulting the assistant electoral registration officer (AERO), a woman whose phone was also snatched during the chaos. The hearings were disrupted for two to three hours until a substantial police contingent arrived to restore order.
In addition to the school incident, Trinamool Congress workers, led by MLA Mosarraf Hossain, blocked National Highway-12, causing significant traffic disruptions. The highway remained obstructed until police intervention brought the situation under control.
Political Blame Game and Accusations
The incident has ignited a fierce political blame game between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. Trinamool MLA Mosarraf Hossain directly accused the Election Commission and the BJP, saying, "This is what EC and BJP want. How many deaths will satisfy them?" He linked the suicide to broader electoral tensions in the region.
In contrast, Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition, attributed the violence to the state government's failure in providing adequate security. In a post on social media platform X, Adhikari stated, "Yet another blatant display of lawlessness under TMC regime. Today, during the SIR hearing at Itahar High School, a violent mob of miscreants unleashed vandalism, destroying property and disrupting proceedings." He further criticized the police and administration, calling them "mute spectators" and urging the Election Commission of India to take strong action against officials who failed in their duties.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This violent episode highlights the heightened tensions surrounding electoral processes in West Bengal, particularly in rural areas like North Dinajpur. The suicide of Chandu Sarkar underscores the severe emotional and psychological toll that administrative notices can have on individuals and families, especially when perceived as threatening or confusing.
Local residents have expressed concerns over the breakdown of law and order, with many calling for better communication and support from authorities during such hearings to prevent future tragedies. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures at public institutions during sensitive electoral activities.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim's family and preventing similar outbreaks of violence. The political fallout from this event is likely to influence upcoming electoral dynamics in the state, with both major parties using it to bolster their narratives ahead of future polls.
