The body of a Block Level Officer (BLO) was discovered in West Bengal's Bankura district on Sunday morning, with a recovered suicide note pointing to extreme work-related pressure as the cause. The tragic incident has ignited fresh concerns about the immense stress faced by grassroots government officials, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging that anxiety linked to the Supplementary Inspection Report (SIR) process has led to over 50 deaths.
Details of the Tragic Incident in Ranibandh
The incident occurred in the Ranibandh block. Local police confirmed that the body of the deceased, identified as Haradhan Mandal, was recovered from a school premises on the morning of Sunday, December 28, 2025. Authorities stated they found a handwritten note at the scene, which they are treating as a "suicide note." Preliminary investigations suggest the note explicitly cites unbearable pressure and stress related to his official duties as a BLO as the reason for taking this drastic step.
Political Reaction and Broader Allegations
The discovery has prompted a strong reaction from the state's political sphere. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has seized upon the incident to highlight what it calls a systemic issue. Party representatives have claimed that the anxiety and harassment surrounding the Supplementary Inspection Report (SIR)—a scrutiny mechanism—have created an untenable environment for officials. In a startling claim, the TMC stated that such work-induced pressure and anxiety have been responsible for over 50 deaths among government staff and others associated with the process.
Investigations Underway and Rising Concerns
Police officials have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Haradhan Mandal's death. Forensic teams examined the site, and the body was sent for postmortem. The case has shifted focus to the mental health and working conditions of frontline administrative workers in the state. This incident raises critical questions about the support systems and institutional pressures within government machinery at the village and block levels.
Community members and local colleagues expressed shock at the news, describing Mandal as a dedicated officer. The tragedy underscores a growing demand for institutional reforms to address workplace stress and provide better psychological support for employees handling critical, high-pressure roles in public service.
