Brief

FIRs filed in Karnataka over mass Form‑7 voter‑deletion applications

Complaints allege false information, forged signatures and attempts to remove minority voters from electoral rolls.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:00:52 GMT

Police in three Karnataka districts have registered FIRs alleging that large numbers of Form‑7 applications were used to seek deletion of voters from electoral rolls, according to a Deccan Chronicle report dated 2 October 2026.

What happened

In Ballari, an FIR was filed against BJP corporator Srinivas Motkar, three election officials and others for submitting 7,561 Form‑7 applications on 21‑22 September, despite a guideline limiting each BLA to 30 applications. The complaint, lodged by Congress BLA Gautham S, says 98.08 % of the affected voters belong to the minority community. Assistant Commissioner Nandish, BLO Sumalatha and case‑worker Sharanabasava were also named.

Belagavi police recorded an FIR on 30 September against BJP leader Dr Ravi Patil and about 20‑25 others for attempting to delete 198 voters from polling booths 195 and 196 in Veerabhadranagar.

In Bidar’s Bhalki area, an FIR was lodged against 32 persons after a complaint by Mohammed Ateeq Ahmed alleging that Form‑7 applications listed 3,244 voters as shifted or absent while they continued to reside locally.

How it came about

The incidents are part of a broader controversy over the Special Intensive Regulation (SIR) process, which has also sparked protests in other states, such as the Nagaland Congress demand for the CEC’s resignation reported earlier by Felo News.

Key facts

Ballari FIR names BJP corporator Srinivas Motkar and alleges 7,561 Form‑7 applications were submitted. (deccanchronicle.com)
Belagavi FIR alleges BJP leader Dr Ravi Patil attempted to delete 198 voters via Form‑7 applications. (deccanchronicle.com)
Bidar FIR involves 32 persons and 3,244 voter deletion applications, complained by Mohammed Ateeq Ahmed. (deccanchronicle.com)