16 August,2017 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Pallavi Smart
Reports this morning from the BMC's disaster cell reveal over 185 suffered minor injuries, 15 people were admitted
Not a five-year low as reported earlier, the number of injured in dahi handi celebrations in the city stands at a whopping 202. Data from the BMC's Disaster Management Cell this morning reveals that over 185 govindas suffered minor injuries till late last night.
Speaking to mid-day, Mahesh Narvekar, chief officer of the disaster management cell, confirmed, "A total of 202 people were injured till 1 am, across Mumbai. While a little over 185 govindas suffered minor injuries, more than 15 people were admitted across city hospitals. They are in a stable condition now."
As per BMC reports, as many as 147 govindas had suffered injuries last year.
From bystander to casualty
Prem Nagar Mitra Mandal member Jayesh Sarle, 34, was casually standing by, trying to keep the crowd at a safe distance, while govindas from the group participated in a dahi handi organised by Chougule Sports Association at Airoli. It was a live wire that electrocuted him as he was standing on a puddle. The Kurla resident was one of the two casualties this Janmashtami.
The Sarles are in a state of shock at the untimely death of Jayesh, a security guard, who is survived by his wife and a two-year-old boy. Speaking to mid-day, one of Jayesh's friends said, "Jayesh never participated in the human pyramid ritual. He always offered support from the sidelines, managing the crowd for the Chunabhatti-based mandal. His membership with the Chunabhatti club was also incidental as he was a resident of Kurla. His relatives stay in Chunabhatti and he used to frequent the club often. His death comes as a huge shock to every person who knew him."
Members of the Prem Nagar Mitra Mandal said Jayesh was rushed to a private hospital in Mulund, but he was declared dead on arrival. The Rabale police are investigating if negligence killed Jayesh.
The other victim
Palghar resident Rohan Kini, 21, had just come down after forming a human pyramid when he suffered an epileptic attack. "He was a part of a human pyramid. He got down from the pyramid after breaking the handi. But soon after, he suffered an epileptic attack and he died while being taken to a hospital in Palghar around 6.30 pm," an officer from Palghar police station said.
The officer added that they were waiting for his post-mortem report.
