Momo seller dies by suicide in Jalpaiguri after name omitted from voters’ list
Jalpaiguri (WB): A momo vendor in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri town died by suicide on Tuesday, with family members alleging that he had been distressed after his name was removed from the electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
According to IANS the deceased is identified as Gouranga De, who lived in a rented house with his wife and their son, under Ward 11. Police discovered the body on Tuesday morning and sent it for post-mortem.
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According to his family, De had been casting his vote for nearly four decades and they said his name did not appear in the 2002 voter list. De was subsequently called for a hearing during the recent revision process. Family members stated that he submitted the documents and information available with him at the time.
After the final electoral roll was published on February 27, De’s name was found to have been omitted, with “deleted” marked against it. His relatives and neighbours said he had been anxious since learning about the removal.
His landlord said De repeatedly expressed concern about what would happen to him after his name was struck off the list. “He was worried ever since his name was removed. He kept asking what would happen to him. The body was recovered this morning and now what will happen to this family?” he said.
De’s wife told local reporters that he did not have parents or grandparents and was therefore unable to furnish additional supporting details beyond the documents he had already submitted during the SIR hearing. She said the omission left him deeply upset.
Chairman of Jalpaiguri Municipality, Saikat Chatterjee, visited the family after receiving information about the incident, terming it unfortunate and called for accountability.. He was quoted by The News Minute as saying that De had approached him after finding his name missing from the list. Chatterjee had assisted him in submitting Form 6 online.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
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Sea Plane, Heli Taxi planned under Coastal Tourism Development Plan: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the government will formulate a Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan to utilise the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts.
Presenting the 2026–27 state budget in the Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah said connectivity between major coastal tourism destinations will be enhanced through Sea Plane and Heli Taxi services in collaboration with aviation and water adventure tourism partners. Joy Ride and River Cruise activities will also be promoted as part of the initiative.
The Chief Minister also announced measures to improve the overall experience of tourists visiting the state. An amount of Rs 1 crore will be allocated to provide soft skills training to taxi drivers, auto drivers and security personnel to enhance professionalism while interacting with visitors. A diploma course will also be introduced in selected universities to provide skill training for tourist guides.
To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the Gadag–Kappatagudda–Lakkundi tourism circuit will be developed. In Chikkamagaluru district, a ropeway will be constructed between Mullayanagiri–Seethalayyanagiri and Kaimara under the PPP model to promote tourism in the region.
Siddaramaiah said Rs 10 crore will be allocated for the development of integrated infrastructure under the Karnataka Exhibition Authority. In order to protect the state’s heritage sites, 1,000 monument volunteers will be identified and trained to help conserve 844 protected monuments and around 1,000 unprotected monuments. These volunteers will be included in the department’s recognised list.
The government has also prepared a comprehensive plan worth Rs 100 crore to develop Anjanadri Hill as a globally recognised tourist destination. The works will be taken up on priority after securing forest and environmental clearances from the Government of India and approval from UNESCO, he said.
