A senior anganwadi worker serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, allegedly attempted to die by suicide after facing intense pressure to complete election-related SIR (Section Information Report) work late at night. The incident has triggered protests by anganwadi workers, who allege that the woman was threatened with suspension if she failed to submit 200 filled SIR forms through an election app by the end of the night.
According to colleagues, the woman—an elderly worker who lives alone—consumed 44 pills, “any pill she could find at home,” after her supervisor repeatedly called late into the night and again early in the morning. Workers said they were instructed at 9 pm to finish 200 forms, with supervisors calling up to 10 pm and again at 6 am via video, demanding immediate submission. One worker said, “If we were younger, we could do it. She couldn’t bear the pressure.”
An hour after consuming the pills, the woman reportedly informed other anganwadi workers via WhatsApp, prompting them to rush her to the hospital. She was initially in serious condition but is now stable, according to police.
Protests erupted outside the anganwadi office in Kumbakonam, with workers demanding urgent action from the Election Commission and the Tamil Nadu government. They allege unreasonable workloads, harassment by supervisors, and intimidation tactics tied to election duties.
Police from Patteswaran station said the woman had been dealing with significant age-related challenges and a heavy workload. Officers clarified that while she consumed a large number of pills, none were sleeping tablets, and that she messaged others immediately after doing so, allowing for timely medical intervention. Authorities say she is now out of danger.
