BLO fails to complete digitisation of SIR forms, jumps into river
The Statesman | 23 February 2026
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Titagarh, Md Kayamuddin, who is also the acting headmaster of a school in Kanchrapara, allegedly attempted to take his own life by jumping into the river near Serampore ferry ghat this morning.
He was rescued promptly by boatmen.
According to sources, Kayamuddin had boarded a launch at Serampore ferry ghat to cross the river to Barrackpore. When the vessel was midstream, he suddenly leapt into the river, leaving his bag behind on the launch. Alert boatmen immediately dived in and managed to bring him back safely.
On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and took him to Serampore Walsh Hospital. His bag, recovered from the launch, reportedly contained SIR-related documents and his mobile phone.
During questioning, Kayamuddin stated that he was the BLO for a booth area comprising 1,245 voters. He admitted that he lacked sufficient knowledge to digitise the SIR forms on the computer. Despite informing his higher authorities and seeking assistance, he claimed that the help he received was inadequate. After several unsuccessful attempts to complete the digitisation process within the stipulated time frame, he said he came under severe mental stress.
Unable to cope with the mounting pressure, he allegedly decided to end his life but was saved by the swift action of the boatmen.
Trinamul Congress town president and chairman-in-council Santosh Singh alleged that the Election Commission of India had paid no heed to the BLO’s repeated pleas for assistance with the digitisation work, and that the excessive stress drove him to take the extreme step.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party state leader Swapan Pal countered that the Trinamul Congress was systematically attempting to defame the Election Commission and the central government in connection with any suicide attempt or death involving BLOs or voters.