What led to the demise of another BLO in Bengal?
Synopsis
The tragic death of a Booth Level Officer in Cooch Behar has raised serious questions about the pressures of Special Intensive Revision work. His family alleges that the stress contributed to his health issues. What does this mean for the future of BLOs amid such demanding tasks? This incident highlights the urgent need for a reassessment of workloads and mental health support.
Key Takeaways
Ashish Dhar was a BLO who passed away due to alleged stress from SIR duties.
His family claims the pressure contributed to his health decline.
Ashish also worked as a teacher, balancing dual responsibilities.
The incident has sparked discussions about the mental health of public servants.
Political reactions highlight differing views on the pressures faced by BLOs.
Kolkata, Jan 3 (NationPress) A Booth Level Officer (BLO) has tragically passed away on Saturday, with his family claiming that the pressures associated with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work contributed to his declining health. This unfortunate event occurred in the Cooch Behar district of northern Bengal.
The deceased BLO was hospitalized Friday night after experiencing chest pain and succumbed to his condition while receiving medical care. His family contended that the stress from his SIR-related responsibilities exacerbated his health issues, leading to depression.
The BLO was identified as Ashish Dhar, a resident of Ichhamari village in the Baneshwar area under the Cooch Behar-II block, and he was responsible for managing Booth No. 103.
According to his family, Ashish had been under significant stress for days due to his SIR obligations. On Friday, he reported chest pain, prompting his family to rush him to the hospital.
Despite receiving treatment, Ashish passed away while still in the hospital.
In addition to his role as a BLO, Ashish worked as an assistant teacher at Purba Gopalpur Fourth Plan Primary School. The dual pressures of his teaching job and BLO duties, especially during the SIR exercise, reportedly led to immense stress and depression.
On the day of his passing, Ashish was expected to conduct hearings for 39 individuals at his booth. His family disclosed that he was anxious about the workload and had voiced concerns about how he would manage his responsibilities.
Ashish's brother, Dilip Dhar, recounted to local reporters, “He returned home from work last night, had dinner, and received a phone call regarding the hearing process. After the call, he mentioned feeling unwell. He was sweating and complained of chest pain. We took him to the hospital immediately, but he died there.”
Following Ashish's death, Abhijit De Bhowmik, the district president of the Trinamool Congress, visited the grieving family and claimed that Ashish was overwhelmed by the pressures of his SIR responsibilities.
Abhijit stated, “The Election Commission, under the central government’s directives, is imposing inhumane pressure on these individuals, punishing the Bengalis.”
Conversely, Abhijit Barman, the district president of the BJP, dismissed these claims, asserting, “The first phase of the SIR work is concluded. Hearings are ongoing, and BLOs are not conducting them. I do not believe he was under any significant pressure at this stage.”
Point of View
This heartbreaking incident serves as a crucial reminder of the mental health challenges faced by public servants. While the responsibilities of BLOs are vital for ensuring effective electoral processes, it is essential that adequate support and resources are provided to manage these pressures. The welfare of individuals in such roles must be prioritized to prevent further tragedies.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of the BLO?
The family of the deceased BLO, Ashish Dhar, alleges that the stress related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties contributed to his deteriorating health.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place in the Cooch Behar district of northern Bengal.
What was Ashish Dhar's profession?
Ashish Dhar was an assistant teacher at Purba Gopalpur Fourth Plan Primary School and also served as a Booth Level Officer.
How did his family respond to his death?
His family claims that the pressure from SIR responsibilities led to his health issues and expressed concern over the workload he was managing.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident raises concerns about the mental health support available for public servants who are under significant stress due to their duties.
