Preliminary probe into BLO’s death finds no evidence of work pressure: Collector

District Collector Arun K. Vijayan in a statement said that no link has been established so far between the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties and the death of booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who was found dead at his residence on Sunday.

He said Mr. George was appointed to the post following the transfer of Anganwadi teachers as per an order issued on July 30, 2025.

According to the officials, Mr. George was given required training and deployed for SIR work from October 4, 2025. He had been entrusted with distributing 1,065 enumeration forms in Part 18, of which 825 were already delivered.

The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) later clarified that only 50 forms remained to be updated on the portal, as the rest had already been distributed. Officials said the progress of form distribution at the booth was satisfactory and in line with district-level averages, the Collector said in the statement.

The department stated that support systems had been fully arranged across the district, including deployment of Revenue officials and vehicle facilities for field-level distribution.

The Collector said that that Pradeepan, a village field assistant, accompanied Mr. George on November 15 as per the ERO’s direction and he reported no difficulty faced by the BLO during the day’s work.

At 8 a.m. on November 16, the district had achieved an 87.28% average in form distribution, compared to the State average of 91.26%, while Payyannur’s progress stood at 84.03%. Aneesh’s remaining workload — 22.54% — was consistent with these levels, and officials said he was neither subjected to special reviews nor placed under pressure.

At around 8.45 a.m. on the day of the incident, booth-level supervisor Sheeja contacted Mr. George to check whether he needed support to complete the pending forms. He reportedly declined assistance and assured that he would finish the remaining work himself. Authorities emphasised that this was part of routine daily review and that no work pressure had been communicated.

Police probe

Detailing the Initial findings, Mr. Vijayan said Peringome Police and Payyannur Deputy Superintendent of Police recorded no external injuries, suspicious circumstances or suicide note. An official examination of phone records and administrative communications indicated that no officer had exerted pressure or issued threatening instructions.

Investigators noted that all mandated procedures, communication protocols and logistical support measures were put in place. They added that the possibility of personal stress was being probed, though no conclusion has been reached. Police inquiries are continuing.

He expressed condolences on the death of Mr. George, acknowledging his service as BLO.

The Collector said all necessary support would be extended to his family and assured that due compensation and benefits would be expedited as per norms.