The Election Commission of India has extended the deadline for submitting objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to January 19, 2026. This extends the original deadline from January 15. The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal issued the notification on January 16. Protests over the SIR hearing process erupted on January 16 in Jaynagar, Shamudragarh, Aamdanga, Dinhata, and Diamond Harbour. At Shamudragarh, locals blocked trains after clashes with police. Demonstrators cited harassment during SIR hearings and blocked roads or burned tires in several areas. Violence had already occurred on January 14 and 15 when mobs vandalised government offices. On January 14, locals led by a Trinamool Congress MLA attacked a BDO office at Farakka. On January 15, a BDO office in Chakulia was also vandalised. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticized the ruling party, saying, "The lawlessness on full display since day before yesterday, right from Farakka to Chakulia is spreading like wildfire." Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee claimed, "At least 82 people have died due the SIR process." He added, "In many places, BLOs are protesting and calling for boycotts due to inhumane work pressure. They are humans and not machines; without training or proper mechanisms, they are being asked to verify the names of 300 people at once. That is why they are calling for boycotts." On January 15, Ashok Das, a 48-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Mukundapur, was found dead inside his home in an apparent suicide. His family delayed filing a complaint. The BJP shared an audio clip alleging that Das "was driven to death by suicide due to relentless pressure and intimidation by local TMC leaders." They also claimed he feared physical violence. Additionally, the Election Commission stated that Class 10 (Madhyamik) admit cards will not be accepted as valid age proof during the SIR process. This affects many, especially those without birth certificates who rely on these admit cards for age verification. People facing distress or suicidal thoughts can seek help by calling the DISHA suicide prevention helpline at 0471-2552056, 1056, or find other numbers online.