Final day of citizenship document hearings end in chaos, woman collapses amid rush

Scenes of chaos and human suffering marked the final day of citizenship document hearings at the Basirhat No. 1 Block Development Officer’s office on Thursday. Thousands of people from Sundarbans border areas gathered at the centre, leading to severe overcrowding and exhaustion under the scorching sun.

Amid the rush, 55-year-old Salma Bibi collapsed while standing in the queue. She was rushed to the Basirhat Health District Hospital, where her condition remains critical. Family members said prolonged standing in heat and heavy crowds led to a sudden drop in her blood pressure and breathing difficulties.

The hearing centre witnessed distressing scenes as sick, elderly and disabled individuals arrived fearing exclusion. A young man reached the venue with an oxygen tube and cylinder mounted on a wheelchair, while a blind and disabled couple said they had come despite having no food, driven by fear of being struck off.

Following public anger and disorder, the administration increased police deployment and announced two additional hearing days for those left out. Local residents and civil society groups have demanded separate priority arrangements for the sick, elderly and disabled to prevent such incidents in the future.