Vijayapura: Tragedy at Lachyana Maharathotsav – 2 dead, one injured after being crushed by chariot

Indi: Two persons were killed and another severely injured after they were crushed under the wheels of the grand Chariot during a village temple fair here. The accident during Sunday’s Lachyana Siddhalingeshwar Maharathotsav festivities in Vijayapura cast a pall over the otherwise jubilant occasion.

The deceased have been identified as Sabu Shinde (55) and Abhishek Mujugonda (16), and  the injured has been identified as Bandu Katakadonda (32) – all residents of Lachanya Village.

The mishap transpired during the ‘Kamari Matha Jathre’ of village deity Sri Siddalinga Maharaja in Lachyana village, located in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district.

A large crowd of devotees had gathered on Sunday for the Maharathotsava festivities in Lachana village. According to eyewitnesses, a stampede-like situation led to the tragedy. As the chariot made its way through the fair, the crowds swelled, and some individuals were caught under chariot wheels.

The injured individual has been taken to the Vijayapur Government District Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Upon learning of the incident, authorities from the Indi Rural police arrived at the scene.