Bengaluru: The simmering criticism over SIR took a tragic turn Saturday after a 24-year-old village administrative officer (VAO), was knocked down by a truck while she was on her way to report for SIR-related work. She succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in Tumakuru.The incident triggered protests by revenue department employees, who blamed excessive work pressure and held the district administration responsible for the young officer’s death while on election-related duty.The victim is Bhuvana, daughter of Ramesh and Sarojamma of Varadanayakanahalli near T Begur in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. She was VAO of Holakallu gram panchayat in Tumakuru district.Bhuvana suffered grievous head injuries after her two-wheeler was hit by the truck on the outskirts of Tumakuru at 8am Saturday.Her death comes amid growing resentment among revenue department employees over the implementation of SIR exercise. Employees alleged that field-level officials have been working under pressure to complete election-related assignments within tight deadlines, often putting in long hours without adequate rest.As news of her death spread, scores of revenue department employees gathered outside the private hospital and staged a protest. Tumakuru deputy commissioner Subha Kalyan was confronted by employees who blocked her official vehicle and demanded accountability from the district administration.Subha Kalyan said the accident occurred at a known black spot and it would be premature to fix responsibility until police complete their investigation.Bhuvana’s family members also questioned the district administration. “They are made to stay in office till 10pm and are again asked to report for duty by 6am the next day. Why should our children be sacrificed like this? Who is responsible for their lives?” a grieving family member asked.
