Threat Calls to BLO in Kakdwip Following Voter Deletions Prompt Police Action
Synopsis
In an alarming incident in Kakdwip, West Bengal, a Booth Level Officer has received threats after a voter's name was removed from the electoral list. This has raised serious concerns about the safety of electoral officials amidst the ongoing voter revision process.
Key Takeaways
Threats received: The BLO has been receiving threatening calls since the publication of the final voter list.
Attack on residence: A brick was thrown at the BLO's home, damaging property.
Formal complaints: The BLO has lodged complaints with state officials and police.
Voter list impact: 163 names were deleted from the electoral list in his booth, with 27 under review.
Safety concerns: The BLO fears for his safety and that of his family amid escalating tensions.
Kolkata, March 10 (NationPress) A Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kakdwip, West Bengal, has sought assistance from the state authorities after receiving alarming threats from a local voter whose name was removed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
BLO Manindranath Das has reportedly been subjected to menacing phone calls ever since the final voter list was made public on February 28, coinciding with the first phase of SIR.
On Monday night, he received yet another threatening call.
Subsequently, an attack occurred at his residence, where a brick was hurled at his home, shattering the door of a room on the second floor.
On Tuesday, Manindranath Das formally reported the threats to state officials, expressing that he feels his life is in danger.
The BLO alleged that the threats are linked to the individual whose name was removed from the voter list, along with that person's family members.
Residing in West Gobindpur under the jurisdiction of Kakdwip police station in South 24 Parganas district, he is responsible for booth number 85 and also serves as the headmaster of a primary school.
Das highlighted that the final voter list revealed the removal of names of 163 voters from his booth, with an additional 27 voters pending adjudication.
He stated, "Since the list was published, I have been receiving threatening calls. Recently, a woman visited my home and issued threats. However, the events of Monday night have left me terrified."
He suspects that the individual whose name was omitted from the voter list orchestrated the attack on his home.
The BLO is now anxious for the safety of his entire family.
On Tuesday, he submitted a detailed complaint to Kakdwip Block Development Officer Abhijit Chaudhuri, as well as to the Kakdwip police station.
Das recounted, "On Monday night, I received a call from someone demanding to know why their brother's name was removed. They warned I should be prepared as they were making arrangements for something. The attack followed soon after that."
He added, "I had no involvement in the removal of anyone's name from the voter list. Yet, my family and I are living in fear. I can hardly sleep at night."
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the threats against the BLO?
The threats stem from the removal of a voter's name from the electoral list during the Special Intensive Revision process.
What actions has the BLO taken in response?
The BLO, Manindranath Das, filed a complaint with local authorities, including the Kakdwip Block Development Officer and the police.
How many voters were affected in this incident?
A total of 163 voters had their names deleted, while 27 others are currently under adjudication.
What are the safety concerns for the BLO?
The BLO has expressed fear for his life and the safety of his family following the threats and an attack on his home.
What does SIR stand for in this context?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision, a process for updating the electoral roll.
