Hyderabad Rath Yatra Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to Six

Hyderabad – The death toll from Sunday night’s electrocution incident during the Sri Krishna Shobha Yatra in Hyderabad has risen to six, after one more victim succumbed to injuries on Monday.

The accident occurred past midnight at Gokulnagar in Ramanthapur when the ceremonial Rath (chariot) came into contact with an overhead electric wire during Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.

Four others were injured, and one of them, Ganesh, later died while undergoing treatment at Osmania Hospital. The deceased have been identified as Krishna (21), Rudra Vikas (39), Rajendra Reddy (45), Srikant Reddy (35), and Suresh Yadav (34).

Telangana Minister for IT and Industries, D. Sridhar Babu, announced an ex gratia of ?5 lakh each for the families of the victims and assured that the government would cover all medical expenses for the injured.

In a statement on X, the minister said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the tragedy and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry and warned that anyone found negligent would face strict action.

“Going forward, officials have been instructed to enforce safety standards at all public gatherings to prevent such tragedies. The injured are being given the best possible treatment, and their recovery is being closely monitored,” he added.

The District Collector has been tasked with leading the probe.

Musharraf Ali Faruqui, CMD of Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL), who visited the site, said a TV cable conductor had come into contact with an electric wire. When the Rath touched the cable, it triggered the fatal electrocution. He assured that a detailed investigation would be carried out.

Earlier, grieving relatives of the victims staged a protest demanding justice and attempted to march towards the Warangal highway before being stopped by police.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also expressed his sorrow, extended condolences to the families, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He urged authorities and organisers to take stricter safety precautions in the future and called on the state government to provide full support to the affected families.

With inputs from IANS