Archive · 29 Dec 2025
BLO's Death Sparks Controversy Over SIR Process
A schoolteacher named Haradhan Mandal, who also worked as a Booth Level Officer (BLO), was found dead in West Bengal.
He left a note saying he couldn't handle his work.
The police are investigating.
Meanwhile, there's a big discussion about a project called SIR, which is about updating voter lists.
Some people, like Abhishek Banerjee from the Trinamool Congress, say the project is too stressful and has caused many people to feel anxious or even die.
They want the process to be easier, especially for old or sick people.
The BJP and the Election Commission say they are just doing their job, but the Trinamool Congress is asking for help for the people who are struggling.
Haradhan Mandal, a schoolteacher and BLO, was found dead in Ranibandh block, Bankura district, West Bengal.
A note signed by Mandal mentioned his inability to cope with work pressure related to the SIR process.
The police have seized the note and sent the body for post-mortem examination, with an ongoing investigation.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that over 50 lives have been lost due to the SIR process and criticized the Election Commission for its handling.
Banerjee directed party workers to set up assistance camps near SIR hearing centres and ensure the presence of BLAs to support voters.
- Who
- Haradhan Mandal, a schoolteacher and Booth Level Officer (BLO)
- What
- Death of a BLO, with a note mentioning work pressure; controversy over SIR process
- When
- Sunday morning
- Where
- Ranibandh block, Bankura district, West Bengal
- Why
- Alleged work-related pressure linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Victim's Name
- Haradhan Mandal
- Victim's Profession
- Schoolteacher and Booth Level Officer (BLO)
- Location of Incident
- Ranibandh block, Bankura district, West Bengal
- Note Found
- A note mentioning work pressure, signed by the deceased
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing, all angles being examined
- Total Deaths Due to SIR Panic
- 50 (as claimed by Abhishek Banerjee)
- SIR Hearing Duration
- December 29 to February 7
- Number of Voters Summoned
- 32 lakh in Bengal
Sources
BLO found dead in Bengal, work-related pressure alleged
Another BLO dies by suicide in Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee holds EC responsible for death
Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged
BJP MP’s Remarks on Prez, PM Trigger Row in WB
Abhishek Banerjee directs BLAs to stand by people during SIR hearings
‘Can no longer handle the pressure’: Bengal BLO, a headmaster, ends life amid SIR work
TMC 'aid camp' diktat, Abhishek urges party leaders to stay alert during SIR hearings
Abhishek Banerjee directs BLAs to stand by people during SIR hearings
West Bengal: Another BLO dies allegedly by suicide, blames SIR work pressure in note
Is death of 33 BLOs okay? Sibal takes dig at govt
‘SIR work pressure pushed him into depression’: Family of West Bengal BLO who died by suicide
Trinamool MLA disrupts SIR hearing in Hooghly, demands BLA entry; EC seeks report
Trinamool MLA halts SIR hearing in Hooghly, demands presence of BLAs
SIR: Special Roll Observer Faces Public Ire in Bengal Hearing Venue
TMC’s protests disrupt SIR hearings at 3 Bengal centres