Hyderabad: Five people were electrocuted to death during Janmashtami procession at Gokulnagar Ramanathapur, Uppal, on Sunday night.
The vehicle, pulling the decorated chariot, ran out of fuel, following which ten people tried to push it.
At that time, a snapped cable wire fell on the electricity wires, which in turn touched the brass frame fitted around the deity on the vehicle, due to which five people were electrocuted. They died on the spot.
Four others suffered severe burns and were shifted to a local hospital for treatment.
The deceased are Krishna Yadav, 24; Srikanth Reddy, 35; Suresh Yadav, 34; Rudra Vikas, 39; and Rajendra Reddy, 39.
Residents of the locality held a protest alleging that the officials had “failed” to take necessary measures to address the issue of hanging wires despite them bringing the matter to their notice.
A case was registered in connection with the electrocution incident at Uppal Police Station.
Rs 5 lakh compensation for deceased
Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, who visited the hospital, said an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to each of the bereaved families.
The entire medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the government. “It is all the more distressing that the mishap occurred when the Krishnashtami Shobha Yatra was just 100 meters from its conclusion,” he said.
Instructions have been issued for a detailed inquiry under the supervision of the district collector, he said, adding that strict action will be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry report is submitted.
A special drive has been ordered across Greater Hyderabad to review and address the risks posed by hanging cable and electric wires, Sridhar Babu said.
Meanwhile, Telangana deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed shock over the incident.
He enquired about the incident from Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana (TGSPDCL) Chairman & MD Musharraf Ali Faruqui, an official release said.
(With PTI inputs)
