A Karnataka government official assigned to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties died in a road accident in Tumakuru district on July 4, 2026. The incident has brought attention to the demanding schedules faced by booth-level officials during election preparation work.
Accident Details and Victim Profile
The deceased, identified as a state government employee, was traveling to a polling station when the accident occurred. According to local police, the vehicle collided with a truck on the outskirts of Tumakuru city around 7:30 AM. The official was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Another employee sustained minor injuries and is undergoing treatment.
The official had been deputed for SIR work, a comprehensive voter list revision and booth management exercise conducted ahead of elections. The SIR program requires officials to visit multiple polling stations daily, often starting early morning and working late into the night.
Allegations of Grueling Work Schedules
Booth officials in the district have alleged that they are being forced to report for duty as early as 6 AM and attend meetings at the Deputy Commissioner’s office until 10 PM. “We are working under immense pressure with no respite. The long hours and lack of proper rest are taking a toll on our health,” said a booth-level officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The officials claim that the demanding schedule has left them exhausted, increasing the risk of accidents. “This tragedy could have been avoided if the administration had ensured reasonable working hours,” another official alleged.
Government Response and Investigation
The Karnataka government has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshminarayana stated that an inquiry has been ordered into the accident. “We are deeply saddened by this loss. The district administration will provide all necessary support to the bereaved family, including ex-gratia compensation as per rules,” he said.
The DC also denied allegations of forced overtime, stating that work schedules are fixed according to Election Commission guidelines. “We ensure that officials get adequate rest. However, during the revision period, some flexibility is needed to meet deadlines,” he added.
Impact on SIR Operations
The accident has caused disruption in the ongoing SIR work in Tumakuru district. Officials have demanded a review of duty hours and better transportation facilities. The Election Commission of India has been urged to intervene and mandate stricter safety protocols for field staff.
According to sources, over 5,000 booth-level officers are currently engaged in SIR activities across Karnataka. The exercise involves updating voter lists, verifying documents, and setting up polling infrastructure. The death has sparked debate about the working conditions of election officials, who often face long hours and inadequate support.
