NOB_HYDERABAD: A festive atmosphere turned tragic during the famous Khairatabad Ganesh immersion procession in Hyderabad on Thursday.

A 20-year-old youth died on the spot after falling from a moving immersion truck near Metro Pillar No. 1167 at Khairatabad Junction. According to preliminary reports, the youth was participating in the celebrations and tried to climb onto the moving tanker/truck when he slipped and fell. The moving vehicle’s wheels ran over him, killing him instantly.

Tension Erupts Lathi charge Allegation:
The incident triggered tension at the spot. Friends of the deceased alleged that the mishap occurred due to a sudden police lathi-charge to control the crowd dancing during the procession. They claimed that the youth tried to escape by climbing the truck when police resorted to lathi-charge, and demanded action. They staged a sit-in protest on the road, leading to heavy traffic jam around Khairatabad.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot and pacified the protesters, assuring justice.

Police have taken the truck driver into custody and shifted the body to Osmania General Hospital for post mortem.

Police said there is no official confirmation of lathi charge and that they are examining CCTV footage to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. A case has been registered and investigation is underway.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the otherwise joyous immersion festivities.