Tragic Death of Booth Level Officer Sparks Concerns Over Work Pressure in West Bengal

Incident Overview

In Murshidabad district, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) was discovered hanging in a primary school. The family of the deceased claims that the immense pressure from the Special Intensive Review (SIR) led him to take his own life. Since the initiation of the SIR process on November 4, eight BLOs have reportedly died.

The deceased has been identified as Hamimul Islam, aged 47, who worked as a teacher at Pakmari Four Krishnapur Boys Primary School and served as a BLO for the Purba Alapur village under the Kharibona Gram Panchayat.

Local authorities from the Ranitala police station reported that the incident came to light late Saturday night in the Pakmari Four area. Family members stated that Hamimul left home to go to school on Saturday morning but did not return by afternoon.

Investigation and Reactions

A police officer mentioned, 'After extensive searching, his body was found hanging in a room on the school premises on Saturday night. The body has been recovered and sent for autopsy. An investigation is ongoing.'

According to police, family members expressed that Hamimul was under significant stress due to his dual responsibilities as a teacher and BLO.

Hamimul's elder brother, Farmaan-ul-Kalam, noted that the pressure to complete tasks related to the SIR had intensified in recent weeks. Riaz Hussain, a Trinamool Congress MLA from Bhagbangola, visited the family and criticized the Election Commission for hastening the SIR process, which he believes is placing undue stress on BLOs.

The police confirmed that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also reached out to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, expressing her concerns regarding the deaths of citizens and BLOs related to the SIR.