Tragic Suicides Linked to Voter List Controversy in West Bengal

In West Bengal, a troubling series of suicides has emerged, linked to the recent voter registration decisions. Rafiq Ali Ghazi and Gouranga Dey both tragically took their lives after their names were marked as 'under consideration' in the final voter list. Families are holding the Election Commission accountable for the distress caused by these decisions. The ruling Trinamool Congress has condemned these incidents, highlighting the severe impact of bureaucratic processes on individuals' mental health. This situation raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of electoral authorities and the need for reforms to protect citizens' well-being.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 17:15 IST

Recent Suicides Raise Concerns Over Voter Registration

In the last 48 hours, three individuals have taken their own lives in West Bengal, reportedly influenced by the recent SIR (Status of Inclusion Report) decision. Additionally, another person passed away due to health complications, which the family attributes to anxiety related to the SIR. Rafiq Ali Ghazi, a 44-year-old van driver from Magrahat, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself on Tuesday night after discovering that his name was marked as 'under consideration' in the final voter list published last Saturday.

Family Takes Action Against Election Commission

Amina Bibi, Rafiq's wife, filed a formal complaint against the Election Commission at the Usti police station. The police have initiated an investigation into the incident. Local TMC (Trinamool Congress) activists protested with Rafiq's body, temporarily blocking the Usti-Shirakol road on Wednesday. According to senior police officials, Rafiq's body was found hanging in his room in the Gholpara area of South 24 Parganas on Wednesday morning. His family claims that being listed in the 'under consideration' category caused him severe mental distress.

Another Incident in Jalpaiguri

In a separate incident, a 62-year-old momo vendor named Gouranga Dey was discovered hanging in his toilet at home in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday morning. His death has also been linked to the absence of his name from the final voter list.

TMC Calls for Accountability

The ruling Trinamool Congress expressed its sorrow over Dey's death, connecting it to the removal of his name from the voter list. In a post on social media platform 'X', they stated that Bengal has once again witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy. Gouranga Dey, despite nearly four decades of voting, lost his life due to the Election Commission's SIR decision.