A major tragedy struck the Devnarayan Lakkhi Mela in Nivai of Tonk district on Wednesday, casting a shadow of grief over the ongoing celebrations. The incident took place inside the temple premises located in Jodhpuriya, where a sudden electric current surged through a steel railing installed for crowd management. At the time of the mishap, a massive gathering of devotees was present inside the complex. As people came into contact with the electrified railing, four individuals suffered severe shocks. Among them, a 25-year-old unidentified youth lost his life, while others sustained injuries. The sudden accident caused immediate chaos and panic in the fairgrounds, drawing a large crowd to the spot as bystanders rushed to help the victims.
Urgent Response and Police Investigation
Following the mishap, local residents and visitors quickly stepped in to assist the affected individuals and arranged to transport them for medical treatment. Law enforcement agencies were promptly informed, and police personnel arrived at the scene to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident. The primary question puzzling authorities and attendees alike is how the steel railing inside a prominent temple complex became electrically charged. Given that thousands of devotees visit the fair daily, the presence of live current in a public railing is viewed as a serious safety lapse. Police are currently probing all possible angles to determine the exact cause behind the electricity reaching the metal structure.
Women and a Minor Among the Injured
Official reports indicate that a total of four people suffered electric shocks during the unfortunate event. This group included two women who were immediately rushed to Nivai for medical attention following the accident. In addition to the women, a 17-year-old girl sustained severe injuries due to the shock. Due to her critical condition, she was subsequently referred to Jaipur for advanced medical care. While the identity of the deceased 25-year-old youth remains unconfirmed, authorities are actively working to establish his background and inform his relatives while managing the grim atmosphere created by his sudden death.
Crowd Congestion Delays Ambulance Movement
The rescue and relief efforts faced significant hurdles due to the massive congregation at the Devnarayan Lakkhi Mela. When ambulances were dispatched to the site to evacuate the injured, drivers encountered severe difficulties navigating through the dense crowds blocking the pathways. The overwhelming turnout of devotees meant that access routes were choked with people, slowing down the transfer of victims to medical facilities. This congestion highlighted logistical challenges in managing emergency responses during massive religious gatherings where thousands throng the venue simultaneously.
As the investigation continues, administrative authorities and police are reviewing safety protocols at the venue. The incident has raised pressing questions regarding electrical safety standards at large public festivals where heavy footfall is expected. With one life lost and three others injured due to a live metal railing, local administration is under pressure to ensure comprehensive safety checks. The exact technical reason behind the electrical leakage will only be clarified once the ongoing official and technical investigations are fully concluded.
