'Will consume poison': Kerala BLO threatens suicide citing exploitation through SIR workload

In yet another case of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) voicing extreme workload originating from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), an official from Kerala threatened to die by suicide, while explaining how the SIR workload has been affecting him.

The BLO, Antony, who works in Kerala's Kottayam area has alleged severe pressure as well as torture in relation with the SIR work that he is being asked to handle.

The matter came to light after an emotional voice message he sent to an official WhatsApp group went viral. In the audio note, Antony claimed he is overwhelmed by the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and says the workload has pushed him to a breaking point.

According to officials familiar with the matter, Antony’s message reveals a state of severe mental fatigue. In the recording, he describes himself as “mentally broken” and says he is unable to handle the demands being placed on him.

He alleges that the relentless pressure of collecting updated voter information has become unbearable. “For one week, I went to all houses and gave the form. Most of them are giving it back without filling one side of it. I have to find basic details and their 2002 details also. You people are not providing basic internet for all this. You are exploiting us. You are mentally and physically torturing us,” he said.

Officials say Antony has been part of the ongoing door-to-door verification process, where officers are tasked with distributing forms, collecting completed entries, and verifying existing records, a process that has drawn criticism from ground personnel in multiple districts.

In the audio, Antony also issued a grim warning, saying the stress from SIR duties has put him in a terrible emotional state. He said that he fears the situation could escalate into violence or self-harm.

He said in the message: “I will consume poison and die in front of the village office. That’s how bad my situation is. Officers can say whatever they want sitting in the AC room. They don’t understand our issues. If I die by suicide, this election commission and SIR will be responsible for it.”

His allegations have triggered conversations among local administrative staff, many of whom have privately echoed similar frustrations over long working hours, lack of technical support, and increasing public hostility during verification drives.