BLO issues suicide threat, revenue officials reach out to him

In yet another instance of a booth level officer (BLO) expressing distress over the mounting workload from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), an official from the Poonjar grama panchayat in Kottayam has threatened to commit suicide, citing unbearable pressure associated with the exercise.

The official, identified as Antony Varghese, who serves as the BLO for booth number 110 in the Poonjar Assembly constituency, alleged that he has been facing severe stress and harsh working conditions as part of the SIR duties assigned to him.

In an audio note shared in an official WhatsApp group, Mr. Varghese is heard saying that the workload involved in SIR has pushed him to the brink. In the recording, Mr. Varghese describes himself as mentally broken and says he is unable to cope with the increasing demands and fears that the situation could escalate to violence or self-harm.

“ Officers can say whatever they want sitting in AC rooms. They don’t understand our issues. If I commit suicide, this Election Commission and the SIR will be responsible,” he says in the clip.

An employee with the Government Polytechnic College in Idukki, Mr. Varghese has been involved in the door-to-door verification process, which requires officers to distribute forms, collect completed ones, and verify existing records.

‘At a moment of distress’

Taking serious note of the incident, officials from the Revenue department on Monday reached out to Mr. Varghese at his residence. They informed him that he could be relieved from the duty if he wished, but Mr. Varghese said he preferred to continue. He explained that he had sent the voice message during a moment of intense emotional strain. “He is absolutely fine now. He had some natural pressure. The entire department is ready to support him. Higher authorities, including the District Collector, have extended full support to Mr. Varghese in completing the task,” said Niju Mon, deputy tahsildar, Kanjirappally.

Following his request for help, two staff members from the Mundakkayam village office have been assigned to assist him.