A person died while standing in line for an SIR hearing in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Ramzan Ali (38), a resident of Rahanda Chandigarh panchayat under the Madhyamgram Assembly constituency.
According to sources, SIR hearings were being held at the BDO office of Barasat Block No. 2 since morning. Ramzan Ali had been summoned for the hearing due to document-related issues and had arrived at the office with family members. While standing in the queue, he suddenly fell ill.
Also Read | CBI gets four-day custody of Shahjahan's close associate Abdul Alim Molla in Sandeshkhali violence
Initially, water was sprinkled on his face and eyes, after which he recovered slightly and returned to the line. However, after a short while, he fell ill again. He was rushed to a nearby health centre, where doctors declared him dead.
After receiving the news, State Food and Supply Minister Rathin Ghosh, Madhyamgram Municipality Mayor Nimai Ghosh, and local Trinamool Congress leaders reached the deceased’s home. The party leadership assured the family of their support.
Speaking on the incident, Food Minister Rathin Ghosh said that this incident has taken the number of deaths linked to SIR-related processes in the state to over 50. He condemned what he described as the inhuman behaviour of the central government and the Election Commission.
Also Read | Supreme Court order clears appointment of 1,982 primary teachers in West Bengal
A relative of the deceased said, “He was called for a hearing today. He fell ill after going there. When taken to the hospital, he was declared dead. He had a fear within him. There was apprehension ever since he was called for the hearing.”
