Meerut: Five people were electrocuted to death and as many injured in a tragic accident involving a religious procession in Western Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place in Bhawanpur’s Rali Chauhan village in Meerut district, where a group Kanwariyas, devout followers of Lord Shiva, were returning with water from the Holy Ganges River in Haridwar.
The high-voltage current charged the vehicle and into the gathered crows, knocking down the devotees one after the other before anyone could react. One of the pilgrims, identified as Manish was declared dead at the scene. Four others have since died from their injuries, while five more victims are being treated in various hospitals in the region.
The tragedy has triggered a wave of anger among the villagers, who blocked a road in protest. They demanded immediate action against the electricity department officials for their negligence that led to the fatal accident.
Earlier on July 12, a 25-year-old Kanwariya was killed and eight others were injured after the pick-up vehicle they were traveling in was allegedly hit by a speeding truck on National Highway 152D near Rahra village in Karnal district. The accident took place late on Monday night when a group of Kanwariyas were going to Haridwar and a truck hit their vehicle.