Why Did Three Women Attempt Suicide in Front of Calcutta HC?
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Synopsis
In an alarming incident at the Calcutta High Court, three women attempted suicide by self-immolation due to fears of losing their electoral rights. Their desperate act sends a chilling message about the ongoing voter list revisions. Police intervention saved them, but the underlying issues surrounding the electoral process raise critical questions. What does this mean for voter rights in West Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- Three women attempted suicide due to fears regarding electoral roll deletions.
- Police intervention prevented a tragic outcome.
- Concerns arise about the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal.
- The Trinamool Congress opposes the SIR revision.
- Electoral rights must be safeguarded and clarified.
Kolkata, Aug 12 (NationPress) In a shocking incident, three women tried to end their lives by setting themselves ablaze at the entrance of the Calcutta High Court in central Kolkata on Thursday afternoon. This act was allegedly prompted by their fear of having their names removed from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal.
However, vigilant police officers on duty intervened, preventing the tragedy and apprehending the trio after observing one of them dousing herself with kerosene, assisted by the others.
The women have been identified as Purnima Halder, Sutishna Sapui, and Bandana Nashkar, all residents of the area under the jurisdiction of the Bishnupur Police Station in the South 24 Parganas district.
According to a police official, “Purnima Halder was the one who had poured kerosene on her body.” They were quickly transported to the S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital in South Kolkata from the court premises.
After an initial medical assessment, the police are currently interrogating them to understand the motive behind their drastic actions, especially in front of the Calcutta High Court.
Sources within the police stated that during questioning, the women claimed they had received information that their names would be removed from the electoral rolls following the SIR process initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in West Bengal.
However, police officials are skeptical of this claim, as the SIR has not yet commenced in the state.
The ruling Trinamool Congress has already stated its firm opposition to the SIR revision process.
Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress and party leader in the Lok Sabha, remarked on Tuesday that the SIR proposed by the ECI would only be acceptable if the current Parliament is dissolved.
“If I concede that the SIR was necessary due to manipulations in the voters' list, then one must also acknowledge that the last Lok Sabha elections were conducted with that flawed voters' list. Consequently, the current Parliament should be disbanded. Since the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister were elected based on that manipulated voters' list, they too should resign.
“Additionally, there were Assembly elections in various states with a compromised voters' list, so those Assemblies should also be dismantled,” Abhishek Banerjee declared to the media outside the Kolkata Airport before departing for Delhi in the afternoon.
Point of View
I find this incident deeply distressing. It highlights the extreme lengths individuals might go to when they feel threatened by bureaucratic processes. The need for transparency in electoral procedures is paramount to prevent such desperate measures in the future. We must advocate for the rights of every citizen in the electoral process, ensuring they feel secure and informed.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the women attempt suicide?
The women allegedly feared their names would be removed from the electoral rolls due to the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal.
What actions did the police take?
The police intervened and prevented the suicide attempts, apprehending the women and taking them to a hospital for medical assessment.
Who are the women involved?
The women have been identified as Purnima Halder, Sutishna Sapui, and Bandana Nashkar, residents of the South 24 Parganas district.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process initiated by the Election Commission of India to update and revise the electoral rolls.
What is the stance of the Trinamool Congress on SIR?
The Trinamool Congress has expressed strong opposition to the SIR revision process, calling for its repeal unless the current Parliament is dissolved.
