Hyderabad shocker: 2 die during Ganesh idol transport - electrocution or fall?

Hyderabad: Two men died while they were shifting a 22-foot Ganesh idol from Jalpally to Chandrika puram, Puranapool, after the trolley carrying the massive idol reportedly came into contact with an overhead power line on Tuesday early morning hours.

While initial reports suggested electrocution as the cause, the Telangana State Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) has denied any negligence on its part, claiming that the deaths resulted from a fall.

Speaking to the media, Hussaini Alam police official of Hyderabad police commissionerate said, “The incident occurred around 1 AM near Royal Sea Hotel in Hussani Alam. A 22-foot Ganesh idol, transported from Lakshmiguda, Jalpally, was being taken for installation in Chandrika puram of Hussaini Alam police station limits. The two individuals, identified as Toli and Vikas, fell from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries and died.”

The exact reason for the fall is yet to be ascertained. Reports emerge that the trolley carrying it allegedly collided with a 33 kV overhead electricity line. However, the police are yet to confirm the reason and said, “after a thorough investigation, we can confirm it."

Sriram Mohan, Superintending Engineer (Rajendranagar Circle) of TGSPDCL, inspected the site and refuted claims of electrocution. He stated that the 33 kV power line did not break or sag, and there was no evidence of electrical failure. According to the department, the two victims died from injuries sustained in the fall, not from electric shock. Officials maintained that all safety protocols were followed and ruled out any negligence on their part.  

It is pertinent to note that on late Sunday night, five people died, and four others were critically injured after an electric shock incident during the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Ramanthapur. The tragedy reportedly occurred when a chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna came into contact with live wires during a Sri Krishna shobha yatra procession. Uppal Police booked a case, and further investigation is underway.