A retired teacher serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) on special intensive revision (SIR) duty in Karnataka was grievously injured in a motorcycle accident. The incident occurred while he was returning from election-related work, according to family sources. The teacher, identified as Rachanna Bedajurgi, suffered multiple fractures and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kalaburagi.
Accident Details and Injuries
The accident took place on Monday evening near Bedajurgi village in Kalaburagi district. Rachanna was riding his motorcycle when a speeding vehicle reportedly hit him, causing him to fall and sustain severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed fractures in his leg and arm. His condition is stated to be stable but serious.
Family's Appeal to Government
The family has appealed to the Karnataka government to bear all medical expenses incurred due to the accident. They have also requested that Rachanna be exempted from further SIR duty until he recovers fully. "He was doing his duty for the nation, and now the government should take care of him," said a family member. The SIR duty was assigned to him as a BLO for the upcoming electoral rolls revision, a crucial task for ensuring accurate voter lists.
Rachanna, a retired teacher from a government school, had been serving as a BLO for several years. His dedication to election work has been widely acknowledged. The accident has raised concerns about the safety of polling personnel, especially those working in rural areas with poor road conditions.
Government Response and Support
District election officials have been alerted about the incident. The Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner promised to look into the matter. "We will ensure that the teacher receives the best possible treatment. Instructions have been given to the health department to provide all necessary support," the official said. However, no formal decision on bearing the full cost or exempting him from duty has been announced yet.
The incident highlights the risks faced by election officials, particularly teachers and government employees drafted for election duties. Many of them travel long distances on two-wheelers, often on unsafe roads, to reach polling stations and booth locations.
Call for Better Safety Measures
Opposition parties have criticized the government for neglecting the safety of election workers. They demand insurance cover and safe transport for all polling personnel. The Election Commission has been urged to issue guidelines for providing secure commuting options, especially in hilly and remote areas.
Rachanna's family is hopeful that the government will respond positively. "We don't want any compensation; just that his medical bills are paid and he is allowed to rest," said Rachanna's son. As of now, the teacher continues to recover under medical supervision.
