Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 13 JULY: In a tragic turn of events, Revati Mohan Biswas, an assistant teacher at Hanspukuria Vidyapith in Tehatta, who was deputed as a reserve presiding officer, passed away after suffering a cerebral attack while on duty. The incident has brought forth demands for accountability and financial assistance from various organizations with the Sangrami Joutha Mancha, an organ of state government employees holding the State Election Commission for his death and threatening legal action.
According to reports, Biswas, who was serving as the reserve presiding officer, was assigned duty at Nandalalpur SSK, Booth No. 134, Block No. 1, Karimpur on 7 July. Allegedly, from the moment he arrived at the booth, he faced continuous harassment from local miscreants. Shockingly, it has been reported that no Central Force jawans were deployed at the booth to ensure the safety of poll workers.
According to Biswas’s family, the threats and harassment persisted throughout the night, and in the early hours of the morning, he suffered a cerebral attack due to the unbearable stress. Initially, the other poll workers present at the booth were unaware of his condition. However, upon realizing the severity of the situation, they promptly informed the officials.
Despite receiving this information, it is alleged that Biswas was not taken to the hospital in a timely manner. His condition continued to worsen, even after being admitted to a Kalyani hospital following numerous struggles. He finally succumbed to his illness on the night of 12 July, around 9:30 pm.
The news of Biswas’s death has ignited outrage among the protesting joint platform of government workers. Bhaskar Ghosh, the convener of the Sangamri Joutha Mancha, expressed deep anger and frustration over the presiding officer’s demise. Ghosh stated, “We will approach the commission and submit a memorandum. Rajeev Sinha is responsible for this death. If the duty had been assigned to central forces as per the High Court’s instructions, this tragedy could have been averted. It was a heart attack caused by stress, and he was not taken to the hospital in a timely manner.”
Mancha has alleged that Biswas suffered the cerebral attack due to the mental stress caused by a sense of insecurity. The Mancha has also accused the Block Development Officer (BDO) of negligence. They claimed that Biswas was apprehensive about working at the polling booth without the presence of central forces, but he was compelled to do so. The group asserts that he experienced the cerebral attack before the polling even commenced.
While the Mancha has demanded that the election commission take responsibility for Biswas’ death, no formal complaint has been filed by his family members thus far. They have requested financial assistance of 50 lakh rupees for Biswas’ family and have urged the authorities to provide a job to one of the family members.
The tragic demise of Revati Mohan Biswas has cast a shadow of grief and concern over the local community. As the incident gains attention, there is a growing sentiment that steps should be taken to address the safety and well-being of poll workers during elections.
Tags: #PresidingOfficer #Nadia #SangramiJouthaMancha
