Tragedy Strikes Kota: Child Loses Life in Mahashivratri Procession Mishap

A childs life was tragically cut short in Kota, Rajasthan, after a Mahashivratri procession turned into a heart-wrenching accident. The child, who sustained critical burn injuries during the procession, succumbed to his wounds at Jaipurs Sawai Mansingh Hospital. Four other children remain in critical condition, casting a pall of grief over the community.

Kota/Jaipur, March 10: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a young child who was critically injured after being electrocuted during a Mahashivratri procession in Kota succumbed to his burn injuries on Sunday. The unfortunate incident has left the community in mourning, while the condition of four other children remains critical.

Critical Injuries and Hospitalization

Five children who sustained severe injuries during the Shiv Barat procession were rushed to Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Hospital (SMS Hospital) after receiving initial treatment at Kota's MBS Hospital. Among them, 13-year-old Shugan, who was admitted to SMS Hospital in Jaipur, succumbed to his burn injuries around 1 am on Sunday, confirmed MBS Hospital Superintendent Dharmraj Meena.

Superintendent of SMS Hospital, Dr. Achal Sharma, revealed that Shugan had suffered extensive burn injuries covering 92% of his body. He was undergoing treatment in the new surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but succumbed to the severity of his injuries.

Government Support and Compensation

In response to the tragic incident, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He directed that Rs 5 lakh be provided to the family of the deceased child, while Rs 1 lakh each would be given to the seriously injured children from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Additionally, Rs 50,000 would be disbursed to the injured children receiving treatment in Kota.

Legal Action Against Organizers

Following the first death in the incident, the police have taken swift action by adding relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Juvenile Justice Act against the organizers of the procession. These charges are in addition to the existing charges already filed against them.

Hospital Updates and Patient Conditions

At MBS Hospital, Superintendent Meena reported that five children were discharged on Sunday, while eight others, including two adults, continued to receive treatment in the burn injuries ward. Initially, sixteen individuals were reported injured in the incident, but two children with minor burn injuries later turned up at MBS Hospital.

The electrocution occurred when a boy holding a 22-feet iron flagpole came into contact with a high-tension power line passing overhead in the Sakatpura area. One of the patients at MBS Hospital developed complications and required inotropic support, raising concerns about his condition. However, the rest of the injured children were reportedly on the path to recovery.

Updated FIR and Ongoing Investigation

In light of the tragic death, the police have added IPC sections 304 A (causing death by negligence) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) along with Section 75 (cruelty to child) of the Juvenile Justice Act in the FIR. Earlier, on Saturday, a case was registered under IPC sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 34 (common intention) against the three organizers – Badrilal, Babulal, and Gopal.

The FIR against the organizers was filed based on a complaint lodged by Mangilal, the father of the deceased child, Shugan. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.

Last Rites and Ministerial Visit

The body of the deceased boy was handed over to his family members after the post-mortem examination on Sunday. The last rites were performed later in the day.

Meanwhile, state Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar visited the injured children admitted to SMS Hospital on Saturday. He inquired about their health and directed the hospital management to provide all necessary assistance. The minister also instructed senior plastic surgeons at the hospital to ensure that there is no deficiency in their treatment.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions during religious processions and events. The community mourns the loss of young Shugan and hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured children.