Is SIR Fear Leading to Suicides in Bengal?
Synopsis
The fear surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has tragically led to multiple suicides. As the state grapples with anxiety over voter eligibility, the impact on mental health is becoming increasingly alarming. This report delves into the incidents that have raised concerns and calls for government intervention.
Key Takeaways
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is causing widespread anxiety.
Several suicides have been linked to fears about voter eligibility.
Political responses highlight the need for mental health support.
Clear communication from authorities is essential.
Community support for affected families is vital.
Kolkata, Nov 4 (NationPress) On the very day that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls kicked off throughout West Bengal, a tragic incident occurred as one individual reportedly took their own life, allegedly due to anxiety surrounding the process.
An official reported that a contract worker from Uluberia in Howrah district committed suicide.
On Tuesday, more than 80,000 booth-level officers (BLOs) commenced visiting households to distribute enumeration forms integral to the SIR initiative.
The police identified the deceased as Zaheer Mal, a resident of the Khalisani Gram Panchayat area within the Uluberia Purba Assembly constituency.
This 28-year-old worked as a daily wage laborer. Uluberia police recovered his body from his residence, where he was found hanging. No suicide note was discovered. His family expressed that Zaheer was overcome with fear regarding the SIR, which they believe led to his tragic decision.
Regina Bibi, the widow of the deceased, shared with reporters, "He was terrified of SIR. He often expressed that he would be sent to Bangladesh, and this fear had been consuming him for days. He committed suicide out of fear."
In light of this incident, a delegation from Trinamool Congress visited the home of the deceased, following directives from the party's All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
After meeting with the family, State Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Pulak Roy stated, "Our party stands by this family. An atmosphere of fear has been instilled in the state under the guise of conducting SIR. It is implied that speaking in Bengali equates to being a Bangladeshi. I will urge the central government to cease this politics of death."
Conversely, the BJP asserted that Trinamool is accountable for such incidents.
"They are misleading the populace. People are unnecessarily frightened. The Mamata Banerjee-Abhishek Banerjee party is exploiting this situation for their political gain by intimidating citizens over SIR," stated Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER.
Trinamool Congress has been drawing attention to alleged suicide cases in West Bengal stemming from fears surrounding SIR and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The party claims that since the announcement of SIR, there has been a growing anxiety that individuals might be removed from the voter rolls in Bengal.
On October 28, Pradeep Kar, from Panihati in North 24 Parganas district, also took his life, allegedly due to SIR anxiety. The police reported finding a suicide note echoing similar sentiments.
A resident of Dinhata in Cooch Behar district, Khairul Sheikh, attempted suicide by ingesting poison, reportedly due to the same fears.
Additionally, on October 30, a 95-year-old, Kshitish Majumdar, from West Midnapore district, allegedly took his life due to SIR fears; his family claimed he was not listed on the 2002 voter list.
On November 2, Sheikh Sirajuddin, a hotel owner from Digha, died at home in Ramnagar, East Midnapore district. His family claimed he suffered a heart attack after seeing an incorrect name on a document related to his father.
On the same day, a family of a migrant worker from West Bengal reported that he became ill and passed away in Tamil Nadu after hearing about SIR. The deceased, Bimal Santra (51), was from Nabagram in the Jamalpur area of East Burdwan district.
Furthermore, on Monday, a 60-year-old woman, Hasina Beg, who lived in Ward No. 20 of Dankuni Municipality in Hooghly district, died; her name was also missing from the 2002 voter list.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this sensitive issue with empathy and seriousness. The suicides linked to the SIR highlight a significant mental health crisis that must be addressed. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that citizens feel secure and informed during electoral processes, rather than fearful and anxious. A thorough investigation is warranted to understand the root causes of these tragic events and to implement measures that prioritize citizen welfare above political agendas.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the suicides occur?
The suicides are reportedly linked to fears surrounding the SIR process and its implications for voter eligibility.
What actions are being taken by political parties?
Political parties such as Trinamool Congress are advocating for the affected families and raising awareness about the psychological toll of SIR.
How many suicides have been reported?
Several suicides have been reported, raising alarms about the mental health crisis related to electoral processes.
What can be done to address this issue?
Authorities need to provide clearer communication regarding the SIR process and offer support to those in distress.
