The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified its criticism of the Election Commission and the BJP regarding the Systemic Information Repository (SIR) process. The party claims that another life has been lost in West Bengal, allegedly due to the fear of being declared a non-citizen if their name did not appear in the 2002 electoral rolls.
According to a social media post by the TMC, the deceased was Bimal Santra, a migrant worker from Nabagram village in Purba Bardhaman district. The TMC stated, “Another precious life lost to @BJP4India’s politics of fear and hatred,” without providing specific details of Santra’s death or confirmation from police authorities.
The party also pointed to two other recent deaths: Pradeep Kar, 57, from Panihati, who reportedly died by suicide, leaving a note blaming the NRC, and a 63-year-old man from Jitpur who allegedly attempted suicide, “terrified of harassment under the SIR process.” Additionally, 95-year-old Khitish Majumder from Paschim Medinipur reportedly ended his life.
“The latest instance is that of Bimal Santra… who died of fear sparked by SIR,” the TMC posted.
The TMC characterized the SIR process as “designed to terrorise and displace,” asserting it’s a tool used to intimidate and demoralize individuals.
Santra’s family revealed to reporters that he had moved to Tamil Nadu for work after losing his job locally. He was hospitalized due to deteriorating health and subsequently passed away. His son mentioned, “My father was under severe stress. He was hospitalised due to this. We contacted our MLA, who helped us a lot in this crisis.”
Local MLA Ashoke Majhi commented on the situation, noting that the 100-day work scheme was not operational in Santra’s area, leading many, including Santra, to seek work elsewhere. Majhi added, “I have been told by his family that he was scared of the SIR, and ultimately, he lost his life. This is unfortunate.”