heatwave-claims-four-lives-during-phase-i-polling-across-bengal

The first phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 was overshadowed by tragedy as four voters across the state died on Thursday, reportedly due to extreme heat and physical strain while attempting to cast their votes.

 

The deaths were reported from East and West Medinipur, Malda, and Birbhum districts. According to preliminary assessments, all four victims suffered cardiac arrests, likely triggered by rising temperatures during the peak of the April heat.

 

The deceased have been identified as Nripendra Das from Patashpur in East Medinipur district, Isratan Bibi from Keshpur in West Medinipur district, Pramila Bagdi from Malatipur in Malda district, and Asim Roy from Suri in Birbhum district.

 

In Patashpur, Nripendra had been standing in a long queue at Booth No. 234 of Bamanbara Junior High School since early morning when he suddenly fell unconscious. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

 

In Keshpur, Isratan collapsed shortly after casting her vote at a polling booth in the Sima Geria area. Family members said she had been under emotional stress in recent days after her husband’s name was reportedly missing from the voter list.

 

A similar incident occurred in Malatipur, where Pramila collapsed inside a polling booth around 11:00 am. She was taken home after suffering a cardiac episode, but later succumbed. In Suri, Asim, a resident of Dangalpara, suffered a brain stroke while on his way to vote and died before reaching the polling station.

 

The Alipore Meteorological Department had earlier issued warnings about rising temperatures across the state, particularly in western districts such as Bankura, Purulia, Medinipur, and Burdwan, where heatwave conditions have persisted since the beginning of mid-April. Medical experts had also advised voters—especially the elderly and those with health conditions—to take precautions and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

 

Despite these warnings, large crowds were seen at polling booths from early morning, with long queues forming across several districts. The Election Commission reported a strong voter turnout of 62.18 per cent by 1 pm.

 

While the polling process continued with enthusiasm, the deaths have cast a shadow over the day’s proceedings, raising concerns about voter safety amid extreme weather conditions.