A school employee, who was working as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the upcoming local body elections, was found hanged at his home in this north Kerala district on Sunday, police said, as reported by PTI.
Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George, the deceased man, took the extreme step due to work pressure related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls.
George worked as a peon in a government school in Payyannur. Police said they found him hanging in the first-floor corridor of his house in Payyannur. According to the FIR, the man was said to have been under pressure for some time in connection with BLO duties.
Here’s what relatives are saying
Shyam, a person close to George’s family, said that the deceased complained of heavy workload and work stress related to completion of works related to SIR.
“His family said Aneesh George worked till 2 am on Sunday morning. They said he was under immense pressure to fill the forms regarding SIR and send them to everyone in the designated area,” he told reporters.
The shocking incident took place at a time when major political parties including the ruling CPI (M) and the opposition Congress were speaking out against the introduction of SIR in the state.
Political leaders point to ‘extreme workload’
While CPI(M) leader MV Jayarajan said they were pointing to the work pressure experienced by BLOs in connection with SIR, Congress chief Rijil Makkutty said Aneesh George was a victim of the Election Commission’s attempt to introduce him ahead of the local polls to fulfill the BJP’s agenda.
“Due to the extreme workload, he may have felt that there was no other option but to end his own life. His death was extremely unfortunate,” Jayarajan said.
He also urged the Election Commission to suspend the implementation of SIR in the state until the LSGD elections are completed.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar said a report has been sought from the Kannur District Collector on the incident.
“Police investigation is also underway. Other matters can be decided after receiving the report. The BLOs are working collectively and we have not received any information about their work pressure so far,” he told reporters.
He also clarified that the BLO does not have to do any work other than that related to SIR for 31 days and normally there is no work pressure.
The official also said that the police investigation and the district collector’s report will reveal all the details of the incident.
