Kolkata, Dec 29 (NationPress) A booth-level officer (BLO) in the coastal area of Hingalganj, located in North 24 Parganas district, has reportedly received death threats from associates of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan following the issuance of a notice to a ‘doubtful voter’ during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

This situation arose at booth number 190 in Pukuria village, where BLO Pralay Mandal identified significant inconsistencies in an online enumeration form submitted by a voter named Khairul Karigar. Official reviews indicate that the voter falsely claimed his mother was deceased and instead listed a neighboring woman as his mother, even though his biological mother is still alive.

After the alleged forgery was identified, Karigar received a notice for a hearing under the Election Commission of India’s claims and objections process. Following this, the BLO reportedly began receiving threats, allegedly from Karigar and his associates.

Mandal is said to be living in fear due to the threats. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the alleged intimidation and have rallied to support the BLO.

In contrast, Khairul Karigar has denied the allegations of threatening the BLO and any close ties to Sheikh Shahjahan. The district administration has confirmed that an investigation will take place and appropriate measures will be enforced.

It has also been revealed that Karigar’s name appears in the ‘unmapped’ category of the draft electoral rolls released by the Election Commission of India.

Local sources have claimed that Karigar migrated from Bangladesh several years ago and subsequently settled in Pukuria village in the Sahebkhali area of Hingalganj. His mother, Rahima Bibi, is also reportedly living with him.

Allegations suggest that within a year of moving to the area, Karigar established close connections with Sheikh Shahjahan, who is currently incarcerated, and utilized these political connections to obtain voter and Aadhaar cards. Both he and his mother are alleged to have voted consistently from booth number 190.

Residents further claim that Karigar frequently intimidates locals by referencing Trinamool Congress leaders, demanding that action be taken against him in accordance with the law.

In statements to local media, BLO Pralay Mandal remarked, “He intimidates people by mentioning political figures. He often says, ‘I’ll see to it.’ I am concerned as individuals like him are not trustworthy. To my knowledge, he is Bangladeshi and was not a resident of this area before.”

Local Trinamool Congress leader Jagabandhu Mistri also raised alarms, accusing Karigar of misusing voter data to secure electoral documents. “His mother is still alive, yet he filled out an online form declaring her deceased. The authorities must take action,” he stated.

In response to the accusations, Khairul Karigar asserted he would provide proof of his citizenship and innocence during the hearing. “Show me evidence that I have ties to Sheikh Shahjahan or any other leader. My nationality will be confirmed when I present my documentation,” he stated.

Sheikh Shahjahan, a former executive member of the North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad, was arrested on February 29, 2024, after evading authorities for 55 days following an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team investigating alleged ration scam irregularities. This incident sparked widespread protests in the region due to claims of land grabbing and sexual harassment by Shahjahan and his associates.