Two crushed under chariot wheels during Rath Yatra
Nellore, March 21 (INN): Two devotees were crushed to death and two others sustained injuries when they came under the wheels of a chariot being used in the Rath Yatra of the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Nellore district on Monday.
According to temple sources, one of the victims has been identified as Vikram Reddy who hailed from Kadapa district. The identity of the second victim was yet to be ascertained.
Vikram Reddy was crushed to death on the spot while the unidentified victim died in hospital while undergoing treatment there. The condition of two injured is stated to be out of danger, according to sources.
According to reports, the mishap took place when the temple authorities took out idols of God Ranganathaswamy in the Chariot as part of Brahmotsavam. It is believed that the four devotees came under the chariot wheels as pressure from surging crowds to inch forwards for a closer look mounted and they lost their balances.
Lakhs of devotees had gathered to witness the Brahmotsavam of Lord Ranganathaswamy, which started in the district on March 14. The Brahmotsavam will conclude on March 24. The devotees alleged the temple authorities failed to depute enough number of security personnel to maintain order on the route of the Rath Yatra.
'The entire blame for the mishap is due to the laxity shown by the temple authorities whose negligent attitude led to lapses in the security arrangements,' the devotees alleged. However, the temple authorities shifted the blame on the government by stating that it has deputed the police for the MLC elections, ignoring the Brahmotsavam.
News Posted: 21 March, 2011
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