Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sept 2: What started as a celebration of devotion turned tragic across Karnataka, as three people lost their lives during Ganesha idol immersion processions in Mandya, Chikkaballapur, and Mysuru districts.

Two men collapsed and died while dancing during the festivities, while another died after falling from a moving tractor.

Mandya: Man collapses while dancing during procession

In Jothanapura village, K R Pet taluk, Mandya district, a man named Manjunath collapsed mid-dance while participating in a Ganesha idol immersion procession. He was dancing energetically to DJ music when he suffered a suspected heart attack and died on the spot.

The tragic moment was captured on mobile phones by locals. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the K R Pet police station.

Chikkaballapur: Death while dancing to ‘Naagavalli’

In a similar incident, Lakshmipathi (40), a resident of Bodaguru village in Shidlaghatta taluk, Chikkaballapur district, died while dancing to the popular Kannada song ‘Naagavalli’ during a Ganesha idol immersion procession.

Witnesses said Lakshmipathi was actively taking part in the dance when he suddenly collapsed. Despite efforts to help, he was declared dead shortly afterwards. A farmer by profession, he is survived by his wife and two children.

Mysuru: Man dies after falling from procession tractor

In Harave village, Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district, Auto Raju (34) died after falling off a moving tractor during a Ganesha idol immersion procession.

Raju had climbed onto the tractor to offer prayers as the idol passed by his house. While doing so, he lost his footing and fell, suffering fatal injuries. He died while being taken to hospital.

These tragic incidents have cast a shadow over Ganesha Chaturthi festivities across Karnataka. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution during idol immersion processions, especially when participating in high-energy dances or travelling on open vehicles.