A 67-year-old woman from Kolkata died after reportedly setting herself on fire, with her family attributing the incident to extreme anxiety over delays in receiving Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms. The incident took place in the Purba Putiary area on Monday, and the woman, identified as Jamuna Mondal, later succumbed to her injuries at MR Bangur Hospital.
According to her family, Mondal had been increasingly distressed after neighbouring households received their voter enumeration forms while hers had not arrived. The distribution of SIR forms began across West Bengal on November 4, but her family claimed their form was delivered two days late, on November 15. Despite finally receiving it, Mondal remained fearful that the delay could affect her inclusion in the electoral roll.
Police said that Mondal set herself ablaze while in a state of panic. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is underway.
This incident adds to a series of panic-driven deaths reported in West Bengal since the start of the SIR process. The ruling Trinamool Congress has pointed to multiple such cases to highlight growing public fear regarding the revision exercise, alleging that people worry their names may be removed from the voters&rsquo; list. The party has criticised the Election Commission and accused the opposition of spreading confusion.
The BJP, however, has countered that the ruling party is responsible for creating fear among citizens about the SIR process.
Authorities continue to examine the situation as political tensions escalate over the ongoing electoral roll revision in the state.

67-year-old woman dies after severe anxiety triggered by delay in receiving SIR forms

Kolkata Woman Dies Amid SIR Form Delay Panic

67-year-old woman dies after severe anxiety triggered by delay in receiving SIR forms

November 18, 2025 | 17:47 IST