Two Suicides in Malda Linked to Anxiety Over Voter List Revision Process
Two men in West Bengal's Malda die by suicide amid fears over voter list revision exercise.
First Incident: Name Discrepancy Panic
On Friday night, 32-year-old Barkat Sheikh from Chakseherdi village in Kaliachak-III block, Malda, died by suicide. Police said he was anxious after seeing only "Sheikh" listed for his father Rahool Sheikh on the Election Commission’s website. Family reported he visited the Block Development Officer’s office multiple times but got no resolution. Postmortem confirmed suicide; an inquiry is underway.
Second Case: Missing Enumeration Form
On Saturday morning, 52-year-old Abul Kalam was found hanging in his Balubhorat village home in Harishchandrapur-I block. He had not received the SIR enumeration form while neighbors did, and lacked both voter ID and Aadhaar cards. His parents’ names were absent from the 2002 voters’ list. A senior Malda police officer said neighbors mentioned detention camps and deportation, causing intense anxiety.
Also Read: Congress Candidate Narrowly Wins After Voter List Reinstatement in Kerala
SIR Process Background
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a recent Election Commission drive in West Bengal to verify voter lists house-to-house. Residents must fill enumeration forms with identity proofs. In Malda, a border district, the process checks for discrepancies in voter records. Police clarified no detention camps or deportations are involved in SIR.
Police Investigation Details
Malda police recovered both bodies for postmortem examination. Prima facie, both deaths appear linked to SIR-related anxiety. Officers noted Abul Kalam’s fear stemmed from not receiving forms and neighbor warnings. Inquiries focus on the incidents’ circumstances, with no foul play suspected.
Victim Backgrounds
Abul Kalam, unmarried, had worked at a Jaipur hotel before returning to his village. Barkat Sheikh lived in the same district. Local sources confirmed both were deeply worried about voter list issues. Neither had prior mental health complaints reported.
Official Response
Police urged residents not to panic and clarify SIR is routine verification. The Election Commission process continues across border districts. Families await inquiry results. Authorities sent both bodies for medical examination Saturday.
Also Read: PM Modi Schedules Rally in Bengal Amid Voter List Revision Row
