UP BLO found dead amid SIR work pressure; final video message to family surfaces

A day after a 46-year-old teacher serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead at his home in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, a video believed to be his final message to his family has surfaced. In the recording, Sarvesh Kumar speaks tearfully of failing to complete tasks for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and asks his family for forgiveness, saying he was “going far from their world”. He also urges his mother and sister to care for his four young daughters.

Kumar, an assistant teacher at a government school, had been assigned BLO duties on 7 October—his first time in the role. BLOs are grassroots poll workers responsible for visiting households to verify voter details and collect documentation. Early on Sunday morning, Kumar’s wife, Babli, discovered him dead at their residence. A suicide note stated he was unable to cope with the stress associated with his BLO responsibilities.

In the emotional video, Kumar says: “Didi, forgive me. Mummy, please look after my children. I failed in this election work. I am going to take a step, and only I am responsible. No one else is at fault. I am very upset. I haven’t slept for 20 days. If I had more time, I would have completed this work. I have four little daughters. Please forgive me. I am going far away from your world.” He adds that he wanted to live, but the pressure had become “too much”.

His death comes amid growing nationwide concern about the working conditions of BLOs as the Election Commission carries out SIR exercises across several states to address discrepancies in voter lists. Multiple BLOs have reportedly died since being assigned SIR tasks, with families attributing the deaths to overwhelming work pressure.

(Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please remember that help is available. Suicide is not a solution. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional. The ‘Disha’ helpline offers free counselling and support services. You can call at 1056 or 0471-2552056)