8 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a heart-wrenching incident during the Shivratri procession in Kota, Rajasthan, 14 children suffered severe burns due to electrocution during the Shiv Barat. The incident occurred in Kali Basti, Sagatpura, when children carrying a religious flag accidentally touched high voltage wires. At approximately 12:30 pm, near Kunhari thermal intersection, chaos ensued as the children were electrocuted.
Out of the 14 victims, three are in critical condition. Swift action by onlookers led to the immediate transportation of the injured children to MBBS, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, a Member of Parliament from Kota, expressed profound grief over the accident. He personally visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the affected children, assuring them of all possible assistance.
Om Birla instructed hospital staff to provide proper treatment and, if necessary, consider transferring the injured children to Jaipur for further medical care. The tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the festive celebration, prompting a collective call for increased safety measures during religious processions to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.