Name mismatch triggers SIR notice to Harekala Hajabba; officials visit home, withdraw notice

MANGALURU: A technical discrepancy in electoral records led to Padma Shri awardee and noted educationist Harekala Hajabba receiving a notice under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, only for the Election Commission to withdraw it within hours and apologise.

Hajabba, popularly known as the ‘Akshara Santa’ of Mangaluru, had his name recorded as ‘Hajabba’ in the 2002 electoral roll. His current official documents, including Aadhaar, ration card, passport and Padma Shri certificate, however, carry his full name — ‘Harekala Hajabba’.

The mismatch between the old electoral record and his present documents reportedly triggered the SIR/CSR system to automatically generate the notice.

The notice, delivered through anganwadi workers, asked Hajabba to appear at the Harekala gram panchayat office on September 11 with original documents and provide an explanation.

The issue was resolved after senior election officials took note of the matter. Officials visited Hajabba’s residence in Harekala and informed him that the notice had been issued due to a technical error.

They apologised to him, verified his documents at his residence and subsequently withdrew the notice.

Officials also assured Hajabba that his name would be retained in the final electoral roll without any confusion.

The incident has highlighted how discrepancies between names in legacy electoral rolls and updated official records can trigger notices during the ongoing voter-list verification exercise.