Daijiworld Media Network - Murshidabad

Murshidabad, Nov 28: A booth-level officer (BLO) engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls died of cardiac arrest in Murshidabad, with his family alleging that mounting work pressure pushed him over the edge. This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, intensifying political tensions.

Officials identified the deceased as Zakir Hossain, a teacher at a state-run primary school who had been deployed for SIR duties. According to family members, Hossain complained of severe chest pain on Thursday afternoon and collapsed shortly after. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he passed away later that night.

Relatives claimed Hossain had been under “tremendous pressure” as he was forced to juggle BLO responsibilities alongside regular teaching work. They alleged that the school authorities refused to relieve him despite multiple requests, leaving him to manage both roles simultaneously.

With Hossain’s death, the number of fatalities allegedly linked to SIR-related stress has risen to four. Earlier, a BLO in Purba Bardhaman died of a heart attack, while two others—one in Nadia’s Chapra and another in Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar—reportedly died by suicide, unable to cope with the workload.

The incidents have sparked a sharp political blame game.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other Trinamool Congress leaders have accused the Election Commission (EC) of burdening BLOs with an “inhumane” and “unplanned” workload. Addressing a rally in Bongaon earlier this week, Banerjee claimed at least 10 BLOs had been hospitalised and three had died due to SIR pressure.

“In Murshidabad, one more BLO has died due to the pressure put by the EC in connection with SIR. The total number of deaths is four, and nearly 14 others are undergoing medical treatment,” a senior TMC leader said on Friday.

The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, arguing that the stress on BLOs resulted from political and administrative pressure imposed by the ruling party, not from EC directives.

Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is underway.