Bengaluru: City police have booked a resident for allegedly abusing and obstructing Census officials during house enumeration work, highlighting challenges faced by field staff in the ongoing national exercise.
According to police, the incidents took place on April 20 and were reported later after repeated obstruction by the same individual at a residential apartment on Dinnur Main Road.
Enumerator allegedly abused, denied entry
The first incident involved Veena, a Census enumerator assigned to the ward, who had visited the premises to collect household data as part of her official duties under the ongoing Census process.
Police said the resident refused to provide basic information, allegedly used abusive and obscene language, and prevented her from entering the apartment to complete the survey.
The matter escalated when Veena’s supervisor, Rashmi R, visited the same location to verify why the enumeration work remained incomplete. During this visit, the resident allegedly repeated the behaviour, once again verbally abusing the official and denying access.
FIR registered under Census Act and BNS
Following the incidents, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the RT Nagar police station based on a complaint filed by Lokesh SP, an officer with the Bengaluru North City Corporation.
Police have invoked provisions under the Census Act, 1948, along with Sections 223 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, against the accused. These sections pertain to obstruction of public servants and use of abusive language.
Officials said further investigation is underway.
Authorities stress importance of cooperation
Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar emphasised that Census work is a matter of national importance and any obstruction of officials performing their duties is a punishable offence.
He urged residents to cooperate fully with enumerators and provide accurate information, stating that it is a legal obligation of every citizen.
Staff shortage hampers Census work
Meanwhile, authorities are also facing logistical challenges in carrying out the enumeration exercise. Officials said that more than 6,000 government employees deputed for Census work in Bengaluru have not yet reported for duty.
This has affected the pace and efficiency of the house listing and enumeration process, which began on April 16 as part of preparations for the upcoming national Census.
Civic body seeks staff deployment
To address the issue, Bengaluru Central City Corporation Commissioner Rajendra Cholan has written to five government departments, requesting them to relieve the staff assigned for Census duties.
In a statement, he said that the absence of deputed personnel has made it difficult to complete the work within the stipulated timeline.
Conclusion
The incident underscores both the operational challenges and public resistance occasionally faced during large-scale exercises like the Census. Authorities have reiterated that cooperation from citizens is essential to ensure accurate data collection and smooth execution of this nationwide initiative.