West Bengal was struck by sorrow when a 68-year-old woman passed away from a heart attack right in the middle of a Serious Irregularities Report (SIR) hearing. The courtroom turned chaotic as the senior citizen slumped during her testimony.
Lakshmi Devi, a resident of a nearby rural area, was there to voice complaints over property issues that had plagued her family for years. She had barely begun speaking when she gasped for breath and fell. Tribunal staff and fellow attendees rushed to her aid, but paramedics pronounced her dead on arrival at the hospital.
This unfortunate death highlights the grueling nature of these legal proceedings for the elderly. Many travel for hours without proper rest or medical check-ups, putting their health at risk. Opposition voices are criticizing the government for overburdened tribunals lacking basic healthcare support.
In response, district officials have ordered an inquiry and committed to installing defibrillators and trained first-aiders at all SIR venues. Public outrage is mounting, with social media flooded by calls for reform.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind bureaucratic battles. Families like Lakshmi’s seek not just justice, but also compassion in the system.
