Former SUCI MP and doctor Tarun Kumar Mandal from Joynagar in South 24 Parganas has received a summons for an SIR hearing, raising serious questions about the process. Mandal, whose residence is in Shibpur, was asked to appear at the Public Works Department office on College Ghat Road in B Garden. He attended the hearing as instructed. However, after appearing, he questioned the basis of the summons and asked, "Were there any outsiders serving as MPs in the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014?"
Questions over SIR hearing summons
Tarun Kumar Mandal said his name does not appear on the 2002 SIR list, although his mother's name is included. He stated that he had already provided this information to the authorities. Despite this, he was still called for an SIR hearing. According to Mandal, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) informed him about the hearing over the phone, without any written notice.
Also Read | BLOs, AEROs write to CEO over 'unmanageable' SIR verification load
The former MP believes his name may be missing from the 2002 SIR list because he was away for work at that time. However, he pointed out that even if his name was not on that list, he later went on to serve as a Member of Parliament from 2009 to 2014. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections again in 2014, though he was defeated.
Uncertainty over voter list and harassment claim
Even after attending the hearing, Mandal said he is still unsure whether his name will remain on the final voter list. This uncertainty, he claims, is causing mental stress and raises doubts about the fairness of the process. He questioned how someone who has been elected as an MP and allowed to contest elections in the past can now be summoned as a doubtful voter.
Also Read | Howrah Police nab army personnel for alleged dowry harassment
Mandal described the situation as harassment and asked what purpose such actions serve. He said the authorities should clearly explain the reasons behind the summons and ensure transparency in the SIR process. According to him, the entire episode highlights serious flaws in verification procedures and creates fear and confusion among citizens, even those who have previously held public office.
