Pramesh S Jain
The death toll in the chariot tragedy was rise to two as 16-year-old Jyothi,injured in the incident succumbed on Saturday.
Jyothi was watching the procession sitting in the autorickshaw on roadside when the 100 feet high chariot crashed on the autorickshaw..
While other ran to the safety Jyothi could not escape on time and crashed under the chariot.
She was rushed to a hospital along with two others injured where she succumbed in the early hours.
The police said that the rain and gusty wind led to the mishap as people who are supposed to hold the ropes tied to the top of the chariot could not control soon the cliff of the chariot started to wobble ..
The bullock carts pulling the chariot were also went out of control added to the mishap.
The police said that two injured were said to be out of danger,while hundreds of the villagers who are part of the procession escaped in nick of time as they ran out to take shelter in the rain.
If these people were around the casualties could have been more,a senior officer part of the security cover, said .
Security has been stepped up as soon as the mishap to ensure law and order situation and superintendent of police CK Baba camped in the area to supervised the situation.
The police and district administration stepped up the vigil and ensure no more chariot procession in the fair.
The villagers brought in pressure from the local politicians to allow chariot procession but keeping the safety of people the police restricted the procession.
It was unscientific chariot with 100 feet tall with no scientific design.
The chariot pass through narrow bylanes and congested area with hundreds of people surrounded to compete with each other to win the price from the temple organizers.
Though it was a age old tredition it’s very risky and hence decided to contain,a senior police officer ,said.
The police have registered a case of death due to negligence against the organizers and summoned them for questioning for further investigation.
