Elderly Man’s Death in Kolkata Linked to NRC Fears, Claims Family

Quick Summary:

• A 63-year-old man, Dilip Kumar Saha, passed away in Kolkata on August 3, 2025.
• Saha’s family claimed he was living in fear of being sent to Bangladesh if the National register of Citizens (NRC) were implemented in West Bengal.
• He had valid voter identification and other official documents but reportedly worried about detention camps and deportation.
• Concerns about NRC grew during BJP leaders’ statements linking its implementation with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) ahead of the 2024 elections.
• While CAA rules were notified by the Union Home Ministry in March 2024, NRC was dropped from BJP’s manifesto for the polls.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee previously mentioned cases where individuals lost their lives due to NRC-related concerns.
• Trinamool Congress leaders attributed Saha’s death to fear created by BJP initiatives and criticized alleged intimidation tactics linked to migration policies.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The tragic death highlights ongoing anxieties among certain communities regarding citizenship verification processes like NRC. Despite assurances from authorities or clear possession of valid documentation, fears persist due to political narratives around deportation policies intertwined with identity and cultural factors. While there is no concrete linkage between policy announcements and direct harm, public perception shaped by unclear messaging becomes critical.This case underscores the need for more obvious communication from all stakeholders when discussing sensitive matters like citizenship determination. It also raises broader implications for governance where fear-or a sense of insecurity-may alienate segments of society that are otherwise lawful residents or citizens. Policymakers may find it valuable to address such fears proactively through institutional measures prioritizing inclusion over division.

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