– Yusra Firdaus
Kolkata, 23 March: In a harrowing tale that sheds light on the human toll of citizenship anxiety in India, the recent suicide of 31-year-old Debasis Sengupta has ignited a fierce political debate surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Debasis’s tragic death, fueled by fears of losing citizenship status, has drawn attention to the deeply personal ramifications of governmental policies and the urgent need for empathy and understanding in navigating complex immigration issues.
Debasis Sengupta, a resident of Netaji Nagar in Kolkata, was discovered deceased at his maternal uncle’s house, sending shockwaves through his community and beyond. His family’s accounts reveal a young man tormented by the specter of uncertainty regarding his citizenship. The Sengupta family’s history as refugees and their lack of proper documentation exacerbated Debasis’s anxieties, leaving him overwhelmed by the looming threat of CAA-NRC implementation.
Reports indicate that Debasis confided in his family about his distress, expressing profound fear over the potential consequences of not having the necessary paperwork to prove his citizenship. His concerns mirrored those of countless others grappling with similar uncertainties in the face of contentious government policies. Despite attempts by his loved ones to reassure him, Debasis’s fears persisted, ultimately culminating in his tragic decision to end his life.
Following Debasis’s death, his father, Tapan Sengupta, took action, filing a formal complaint with local authorities and shedding light on his son’s mental anguish in the aftermath of the CAA announcement. This prompted an official investigation into the circumstances leading up to the young man’s tragic demise, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability.
In the wake of the tragedy, leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) visited the Sengupta family to offer condolences and support. Their presence underscored the broader political implications of Debasis’s death, with the TMC condemning the Modi government’s policies and their alleged role in fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Conversely, voices from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sought to shift blame onto local authorities, accusing them of stoking public apprehension through opposition to CAA. This response reflects the polarized nature of the political discourse surrounding citizenship issues in India, where conflicting narratives vie for dominance amidst human tragedy.
As Debasis’ story reverberates across the nation, it serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of political decisions. Beyond the realm of policy debates and partisan rhetoric lies a profound human cost, prompting soul-searching and calls for compassion in addressing the complex challenges facing marginalized communities. In honoring Debasis’s memory, there emerges a collective imperative to foster inclusivity, empathy, and understanding in shaping the future of citizenship in India.
