Bengal Woman Dies by Suicide Due to Anxiety Over Voter List Revision: Family Claims Mental Stress from SIR Exercise

A 40-year-old woman allegedly set herself ablaze on Friday night in West Bengal.

In West Bengal, a woman died after reportedly setting herself on fire, with her family stating she experienced mental distress due to the ongoing voter list revision process, known as Special Intensive Revision (SIR), taking place in the state.

The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Mustara Khatun Kazi, was unmarried and lived by herself. While Kazi's name was included in the 2022 voter list, she feared potential removal, which allegedly led to severe anxiety.

According to police sources, Kazi immolated herself on Friday night, resulting in her suicide.

Family members hold the central government accountable for their daughter's death.

"She lived in fear because of the SIR. I consider the central government responsible for her passing," Kazi's cousin, Kazi Sabirul Islam, informed reporters.

Trinamool Congress MP Sayoni Ghosh visited Kazi's family Saturday night in Purba Bardhaman district. Ghosh also blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the tragedy.

The TMC has claimed that at least 40 individuals, including four Block Level Officers (BLOs), have died within the past month due to the SIR exercise in West Bengal.

The first phase of the three-level SIR process in Bengal is concluding soon. As of November 29 evening, the Election Commission (EC) has identified 18.70 lakh deceased voters still present on current voter rolls.

The Trinamool Congress has consistently opposed the SIR, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referring to it as "votebandi." She has declared her commitment to protecting voter rights regardless of cost, even if it meant her "throat getting slashed" for opposing the exercise.

The three-week Winter Session of Parliament commences Monday, December 1, where opposition parties will likely raise concerns about the SIR.

Helplines: Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com; TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm) (If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)