Tragedy / Ganesh Idol Immersions Claim 11 Lives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 17: Odisha witnessed a day of grief amid festive celebrations as multiple tragic incidents during Ganesh idol immersion and related rituals claimed 11 lives across the state.

The festive atmosphere in villages and towns turned into mourning when joy was replaced by cries of despair.

In Ganjam district’s Hinjilikatu, four students drowned in the Ghoda river while immersing idols. Among the deceased were two 14-year-olds, Adarsh Sahu and Pritam Samil, whose sudden deaths cast a pall of sorrow over the local community.

Also read: Two Teens Drown during Ganesh Idol Immersion in Ganjam

Similarly, in Digapahandi’s Siddhikhandi village, eighth-grade student Sitanshu Swain lost his life during immersion.

Jagatsinghpur district also reported a heart-wrenching incident. At Gopalpur under Paradip’s Erasama police limits, four youths drowned while immersing idols in the river. All four bodies have been recovered, leaving families devastated.

In Sundaragada district’s Rayaboga area, three minor girls drowned in the Shankha river while collecting sand for Karma Puja preparations. Their deaths highlight the dangers of unsupervised rituals near water bodies.

Tragedy struck Dhenkanal district as well. In Kamakhyanagar’s Kandhabol village, an elderly woman named Jataki Padhan died after being hit by a pickup van carrying DJ sound equipment during idol immersion. Police have seized the vehicle following complaints.