Bengal Weaver Dies by Suicide After Electoral Roll Notice, Family Blames Fear
Weaver Dies by Suicide After Electoral Roll Notice in Bengal

A tragic incident has shaken the weaving community in Krishnanagar, Nadia district. On Saturday, the body of a 56-year-old weaver was discovered hanging in his home in Shantipur. His family members directly link his death to a notice he received regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Family Points to Electoral Roll Notice as Cause

The deceased has been identified as Subodh Debnath, a resident of the Dhakapara area in Shantipur. He leaves behind an ailing wife and a son. According to his family, Subodh had been living in severe mental distress since January 4th. That was the day he received a hearing notice related to the Special Intensive Revision process.

"After receiving that notice, he was constantly anxious," said his wife Lipi Debnath. "He kept telling us that if he failed to produce the right documents, he might be sent to jail. He repeatedly said he would not attend the hearing."

Mental Distress and Community Concern

Family members describe how Subodh's behavior changed dramatically. He allegedly stopped eating properly and spent entire days worrying about the electoral roll issue. He discussed his fears with several neighbors in the community, expressing deep concern about the legal implications.

The family claims that while their names were included in the voters' list back in 2010, they did not appear in the 2002 Special Intensive Revision list. This discrepancy apparently caused Subodh significant distress about potential legal consequences.

Police Investigation Underway

Local police have sent the body for postmortem examination and have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Subodh's death. The authorities are examining all aspects of the case while the community mourns the loss.

Shantipur holds particular significance as the hub of Bengal's traditional weaving industry. The town sits in what is often described as the Matua heartland, adding political context to this sensitive situation.

Community Response and Planned Action

Subodh's family members and neighbors have announced their intention to lodge a written police complaint against the Election Commission. They believe the notice and the process surrounding it created unbearable psychological pressure that led to this tragedy.

The weaving community in Shantipur has expressed shock and grief over the incident. Many artisans are now discussing the broader implications of administrative processes on vulnerable citizens who may not fully understand complex bureaucratic requirements.

This case highlights the human impact of administrative procedures on ordinary citizens. It raises questions about how government communications reach and affect people in rural and semi-urban areas, particularly those with limited education or resources.