Widow Files Complaint After BLO's Suicide in Kolkata, Cites SIR Pressure
Sudipta Das, the widow of Booth Level Officer Ashok Das, filed a formal complaint on Friday. She alleges her husband died by suicide due to excessive pressure from the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls work in West Bengal. This follows the tragic discovery of his body at their Purba Jadavpur home on Thursday morning.
Police Register Case and Recover Suicide Note
Purba Jadavpur police have registered a case under BNS 108. They initiated an investigation promptly. Officers confirmed they found a suicide note written on white paper at the scene.
The note stated clearly, "I can't handle the pressure of SIR. My health is deteriorating. So I am leaving this world to be with my parents." Initially, the family denied any knowledge of this note. Police sources revealed these details from their recovery at Ashok Das's room.
Details of the Complaint and Victim's Profile
Sudipta Das, aged 43, submitted her plaint to authorities. She resides in Ahalayanagar, Mukundapur. Her complaint reads, "There was a lot of mental stress after taking on the responsibilities of a BLO." She directly accused the Election Commission regarding the circumstances.
Ashok Das served as an assistant teacher at Baharu High School in Joynagar. He also worked as a BLO for booth 110 at Chitkalikapur FP School. Colleagues reported he managed both teaching duties and election responsibilities simultaneously.
Deputy Commissioner Arish Bilal stated, "An FIR was recorded on the basis of a plaint by Sudipta Das. She alleged her husband died by suicide at his residence on January 15 due to work pressure created by SIR."
Political Reactions and Denials
Trinamool Congress councillor Ananya Bandyopadhyay refuted allegations of threats on Thursday. She said, "I knew him. We have family acquaintances. I am shocked by his death. There is no politics in this incident." She pointed out that most SIR work in the area is complete and hearings have occurred.
Bandopadhyay added, "In my area, there are 57 parts. Have any of the 57 BLOs complained? A BJP councillor and a BJP BLA 2 have complained. That BJP BLA 2 is not from this area."
Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee inquired about the family. He sent local leaders to their home. The party leadership assured support to the grieving relatives.
Family Statements and BJP Allegations
On Thursday, the deceased BLO's kin mentioned SIR-related pressure. They suggested authorities investigate the cause of death thoroughly. The family found his body hanging at their Ahallyanagar home in the morning.
The Bengal BJP released an audio conversation on its X handle. In it, his wife allegedly claimed a local Trinamool worker threatened the victim. She stated this worker acted at the instigation of a local Trinamool councillor. The threat reportedly involved not deleting names from her part for the ongoing SIR.
The case continues to develop as police pursue their probe. The community awaits further clarity on the factors leading to this tragic event.
