A 32-year-old woman collapsed while standing in a queue for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing at the Deganga block office in North 24 Parganas district on Monday and later died of a heart attack, triggering allegations that mental stress linked to the exercise may have contributed to her death.

The deceased has been identified as Serina Bibi. She was immediately rushed to Deganga Biswanathpur Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Medical officials confirmed that she had suffered a heart attack.

Family alleges severe mental stress

Family members alleged that Serina had been under acute psychological stress after she and her husband, Siddique Ali, received notices to appear for SIR hearings due to what they described as a “logical discrepancy” in their forms.

A relative said that ahead of the hearing, Serina became extremely anxious, fearing she would be unable to answer questions posed by officials. “While standing in the queue, she kept saying she would be sent to jail and was sweating profusely. Despite repeated attempts to reassure her, she suddenly collapsed,” the relative said.

Political leaders raise concerns

Later in the day, senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress visited Serina’s family to express condolences. A party leader alleged that harassment in the name of SIR hearings was taking a toll on ordinary citizens.

“One more life has been lost due to fear and harassment. Many people are living in constant anxiety, while some are battling for their lives in hospitals. Such unethical practices must be stopped immediately,” the leader said.

Questions over SIR process

The incident has intensified criticism of the SIR process, with concerns being raised about the psychological impact of notices and hearings on vulnerable citizens. While officials have maintained that the exercise is routine and aimed at correcting electoral records, families and political leaders are demanding greater sensitivity and safeguards.

Authorities have not yet issued an official response addressing the allegations of stress linked to the SIR process.