Did a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in West Bengal Take Her Life Due to SIR Work Pressure?
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Synopsis
A tragic event occurred in West Bengal as another Booth Level Officer (BLO) took her life due to overwhelming work pressure linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This incident raises serious concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of officials involved in such demanding tasks.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic Loss: The death of Rinku Tarafdar highlights the severe impact of work pressure on public officials.
- Election Commission Accountability: Calls for accountability have been made regarding the working conditions of BLOs.
- Mental Health Concerns: The incidents raise critical issues around mental health support for government employees.
Kolkata, Nov 22 (NationPress) A Booth Level Officer (BLO) tragically died in West Bengal on Saturday, reportedly due to the intense work pressure associated with Special Intensive Revision (SIR), according to police sources.
This incident follows the death of another female BLO in Jalpaiguri district just three days earlier, who also succumbed to similar pressures.
This time, a female BLO was found hanged in the Shasthitala region of Krishnanagar, Nadia district.
The individual has been identified as Rinku Tarafdar (51). Police confirmed that a suicide note was located in her residence.
The note allegedly indicated that the administrative pressure she faced would intensify if she was unable to fulfill her BLO responsibilities.
"I can't manage the pressure," the deceased BLO reportedly wrote in her letter, as stated by police officials.
She also attributed blame to the Election Commission for her demise.
Authorities revealed that Rinku Tarafdar was employed as a part-time teacher at Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir in the Chapra police station area of Nadia, while also serving as a BLO in the Bangaljhi area.
In her note, Rinku insisted that no family member should be held accountable for her death.
Pointing fingers at the Election Commission, she added, "The Election Commission is responsible for my fate. I do not align with any political party. I am just a common individual. However, I cannot withstand the burden of this inhumane work. My salary as a part-time teacher is incredibly low given the effort I put in. Yet, they did not show me leniency."
A senior officer from the Krishnanagar Police District mentioned, "The body of a female BLO was discovered hanging. A suicide note has been retrieved, in which she blamed the Election Commission for her death, indicating she could not endure the SIR-related pressure. A case of unnatural death has been filed, and the body has been sent for an autopsy."
Earlier this week, another female BLO, identified as Shanti Muni Ekka, had also died by apparent suicide due to work-related stress during the SIR process in Jalpaiguri. Her family claimed she chose to end her life because she was overwhelmed by the pressure of SIR tasks.
In the wake of these incidents, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission of India regarding the suicide of the female BLO.
Through her social media platforms, CM Banerjee asserted that nearly 28 individuals have lost their lives in the state since the Election Commission initiated the SIR of Bengal's electoral rolls.
The Chief Minister also urged the ECI to suspend this "unplanned drive" to protect lives across the state.
On the same day, another female BLO, Tapati Biswas, experienced a cerebral attack amidst her SIR-related duties in Konnagar, Hooghly district. Following this incident, she was relieved of her election responsibilities.
Recently, the West Bengal government announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of deceased BLO Shanti Muni Ekka in Jalpaiguri and Rs 1 lakh for BLO Tapati Biswas in Hooghly.
Additionally, compensation of Rs 2 lakh was also declared for the family of BLO Lalit Adhikari, who perished in a road accident on Thursday. He resided in the Baradham Chatragram area of Cooch Behar district. District officials have provided the compensations to the affected families.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the alarming trend of suicides linked to work pressure among public officials in West Bengal. While the responsibility lies with the Election Commission to uphold the well-being of its employees, it is equally important for society to address the broader issues of mental health support and workplace conditions. This tragic loss of life underscores the urgent need for reform.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the recent deaths of BLOs in West Bengal?
The recent deaths of Booth Level Officers in West Bengal have been attributed to immense work pressure related to Special Intensive Revision tasks, as indicated in their suicide notes.
What actions have been taken by the West Bengal government in response?
Following these incidents, the West Bengal government announced compensation for the families of the deceased BLOs and has urged the Election Commission to reconsider the SIR process.
How many deaths have been reported since the SIR began?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned that approximately 28 individuals have died in the state since the Election Commission commenced the SIR of Bengal's electoral rolls.
