A government primary school teacher in Raichur district has been placed under suspension on the charge of evading election-related duties after submitting medical records pertaining to a hospital stay that took place nearly a year before his appointment as a Booth Level Officer (BLO).

The suspended teacher has been identified as Sangamesh, Assistant Teacher at the Government Higher Primary School in Nagaragunda village of Deodurg taluk.

According to an order issued by the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner on Saturday, Sangamesh was appointed as the Booth Level Officer for Part No 51 of the 56 Deodurg Assembly Constituency to fill a vacant position.

Soon after receiving the appointment, the teacher reportedly informed election officials over phone that he was seriously ill and undergoing treatment in a hospital. In view of the situation, a Village Administrative Officer was temporarily assigned to manage the booth-related work.

However, when Sangamesh was subsequently assigned BLO duties for the same polling area, he again sought exemption, citing health reasons. He later sent an application by registered post requesting relief from election duty and enclosed medical records in support of his claim.

During verification of documents, officials found that the medical records related to a hospital admission on July 5, 2025, with discharge on July 6, 2025, nearly a year before the election assignment.

The authorities observed that the records did not establish any medical condition preventing him from performing the duties assigned in 2026.

Further inquiry with the school headmaster revealed that the teacher neither applied for leave nor obtained official permission to remain absent from duty during the period.

The inquiry also found that Sangamesh failed to attend the mandatory BLO training programme conducted on June 3, 2026.

Officials further stated that he did not comply with instructions issued by the Block Education Officer and the headmaster directing him to report for election duty.

Based on the findings, the Electoral Registration Officer and the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of Deodurg recommended disciplinary action against the teacher for negligence and dereliction of duty.

In the suspension order, the Deputy Commissioner noted that the teacher has shown disregard towards a statutory election process and prima facie violated Rule 3(i) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.

Exercising powers under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Rule 10(1)(d) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957 the authority ordered his suspension with immediate effect.

During the suspension period, the teacher will be entitled to subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 98 of the Karnataka Civil Services Rules, 1958 subject to the prescribed conditions.

He has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.

Copies of the order have been sent to the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, and other department authorities for necessary action.