Ganesha immersion celebrations in Karnataka have been marred by separate accidents in Belagavi, Shivamogga and Raichur, leaving four people dead and several others injured
Karnataka has reported multiple tragedies during Ganesha idol immersion celebrations, with drowning incidents in Belagavi and Shivamogga and a tractor accident in Raichur claiming four lives.
Bengaluru: Ganesha idol immersion celebrations across Karnataka have been marred by multiple accidents in different districts, with at least four people reported dead in separate incidents in Belagavi, Shivamogga and Raichur.
Two young men drowned during immersion-related activities in lakes in Belagavi and Shivamogga, while two minors were killed in a tractor accident during a Ganesha procession in Raichur. The incidents have highlighted the safety risks associated with immersion processions and activities near water bodies.
Karnataka Ganesha Immersion Tragedies Reported In Three Districts
In Machhe village of Belagavi taluk, a young man identified as Vishwesh Nayak died after drowning in a lake during Ganesha idol immersion. He had reportedly gone with friends to participate in the immersion ceremony.
According to reports, the incident occurred after the idol immersion when Vishwesh was returning from the water. The drowning was reportedly captured on camera, while efforts were made to recover him from the lake.
A separate drowning incident was reported near Devarahalli in Bhadravathi taluk, Shivamogga district. A 20-year-old degree student identified as Rakesh drowned while participating in a Ganesha immersion ceremony.
Preliminary information indicated that Rakesh entered the lake while helping with the immersion and lost his balance before falling into deeper water. Rescue personnel and divers later recovered his body.
Raichur Ganesha Procession Accident Kills Two Boys
In another tragedy, two boys were killed during a Ganesha immersion procession in Raichur city on September 19.
The incident occurred near M. Eranna Circle in the Zahirabad area, where a tractor carrying a Ganesha idol was part of the procession. The two victims, identified in reports as Suchit Kumar and Charan Kumar, fell from the tractor after it lost balance near a road hump and came under its wheels.
Another person, identified as Vijay Kumar, sustained serious injuries and was taken for medical treatment. Raichur Traffic Police registered a case and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Safety Concerns During Ganesha Immersion In Karnataka
The separate incidents have brought renewed attention to safety during Ganesha immersion processions, particularly when devotees enter lakes or other water bodies and when people travel on tractors and other vehicles carrying idols.
While immersion celebrations continued across Karnataka, authorities and local organisers have been making arrangements at designated immersion sites and along procession routes. In Belagavi, officials inspected immersion locations and reviewed safety and public facilities ahead of the major procession.
The incidents in different parts of the state underline the need for caution around water bodies and moving vehicles during immersion processions.
