Teacher on Election Duty Dies After Alleging Official Pressure in Viral Video
A 35-year-old assistant teacher serving as a Booth Level Officer for election revision work died under tragic circumstances in Gonda district on Tuesday, sparking allegations of excessive work pressure from government officials. The incident has prompted district authorities to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Vipin Kumar Yadav, a native of Jaunpur deployed as BLO for Khempur village in Mankapur Assembly constituency, collapsed while heading to work around 7:30 am on Tuesday. According to police preliminary assessment, the death appears to be a case of poisoning, though exact details await forensic confirmation.
Viral Video Reveals Work Pressure Allegations
The case gained attention after a video circulated widely on social media showed Yadav on a hospital bed, where he was purportedly heard discussing the immense pressure he faced from multiple officials. In the disturbing footage, the teacher specifically mentioned being under stress from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Block Development Officer, tehsildar, and other government officials involved in the Special Intensive Revision exercise of electoral rolls.
When questioned about the viral video, Additional District Magistrate Alok Kumar confirmed that the inquiry committee would examine the footage as part of their comprehensive investigation. "The committee will examine it as part of its probe, and further action will be taken based on the findings," Kumar stated.
Timeline of Medical Treatment and Death
After collapsing on his way to work, Yadav was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where he received initial first aid treatment. His condition necessitated transfer to the Gonda district hospital, from where he was referred to Lucknow for specialized medical care.
Yadav was accompanied by a sub-divisional magistrate rank officer and a doctor during the transfer to Lucknow, indicating the seriousness of his condition. Unfortunately, upon arrival at the Lucknow medical facility, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Dr. Rashmi Srivastava, Chief Medical Officer at Gonda district hospital, provided preliminary medical insights, stating that initial assessment pointed toward poisoning. "The exact substance consumed will be confirmed after the forensic examination of the viscera," Dr. Srivastava explained.
Family Reveals Pre-existing Health Condition
In a significant development, Yadav's family informed authorities that the deceased had been battling depression for some time and was undergoing treatment for the condition. Medical officials also revealed that Yadav had allegedly consumed sleeping pills the night before his death, adding complexity to the investigation.
The family's disclosure about his mental health history and medication use presents additional factors that the inquiry committee must consider while determining the exact cause of death and the role work pressure might have played in the tragedy.
Official Response and Investigation
Responding to the serious nature of the allegations and the circulating video, District Magistrate has ordered a thorough probe into the incident. Additional District Magistrate Alok Kumar announced that an inquiry panel comprising the Chief Revenue Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Police has been directed to examine the incident from all angles.
The committee has been instructed to submit its report at the earliest, with particular attention to the work pressure allegations made by Yadav in the viral video. The investigation will also examine whether the demands of the Special Intensive Revision exercise contributed to the tragic outcome.
The death has raised serious questions about the working conditions of government employees and teachers deployed for election-related duties across Uttar Pradesh. As the investigation progresses, authorities face increasing pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in determining what led to this unfortunate incident.
