A 32-year-old homemaker, originally from Dhaka and now settled in Titagarh for 15 years, had allegedly died by suicide early on Friday, by setting herself ablaze. According to the police, the woman, Kakoli Sarkar, took the extreme step amid growing fears related to the SIR and NRC.
Came to India 15 years ago after marriage
Kakoli, who was a resident of Nababganj in Dhaka, had come to India after her marriage to Titagarh garment trader Sabuj Sarkar in 2011. The couple has two young daughters. Family members claimed she had all valid Indian documents, including an Aadhaar, PAN and a voter identity card, and had exercised her franchise in several elections since becoming a citizen, Times of India reported.
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Despite this, Kakoli often expressed apprehension about being sent back to Bangladesh since her name did not appear in the 2002 voters’ list, her mother-in-law Shibani Sarkar told police. “But she would often fear she would be sent back to Bangladesh because her name was not on the 2002 voters’ list. After SIR was declared, her anxiety grew,” she said.
Suicide note found; no one blamed
As per the reports by The Times of India, the police recovered a suicide note from her home, in which Kakoli did not blame anyone for her death. Instead, she wrote about missing her family in Dhaka and feeling emotionally distressed. “No one is responsible for my death... I don't feel well here. I love my parents, brothers, sisters, and everyone there... so I feel sad. My husband's family here say this Bangladesh is not good. They ask how Muslims conduct themselves. No one is responsible for my death... I am leaving everyone. Please take care of my two daughters...” the note reportedly read.
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Argument over visit to Bangladesh
The report says that the neighbours said Kakoli had an argument with her husband on Thursday night after she told him that she wanted to visit Bangladesh for her brother’s upcoming wedding. “Her husband and in-laws reportedly stopped her, citing documentation risks under NRC and SIR. She hadn't even been able to visit her mother before she passed away a few months ago,” a neighbour said.
Police said that Kakoli set herself ablaze on the terrace of their two-storey house on KG School Road while the others were asleep. Her charred body was found the next morning.
Barrackpore Commissioner of Police Murlidhar Sharma said, “They are being interrogated to ascertain the reason behind the death. The suicide note will be examined by forensic experts.” He also said, “The note reflected her emotional distress as she could not visit her parents for several years despite repeated attempts.”
