Six hurt as cannon explodes at religious function in Karauli

JAIPUR: Six people were injured when a portion of a cannon exploded in a religious function at Dhadhren, a Meena community dominated village near Hindaun City in Karauli district on Sunday. Stampede was witnessed after the incident and people were shocked after witnessing the explosion on the spot.


According to police, the Meena community organises ‘Kanhiya Paddangal’ (a religious event where ‘bhajan’ competition is organised) every year. To add to the excitement and fervour, locals have been bursting the cannon every year. “The bursting of cannon also marks the opening of the event. On Sunday afternoon when cannon was lit it suddenly exploded in which six people were injured. Out of the six the condition of four was stated to be critical. They were rushed to Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur,” said a senior police officer of Hindaun City.

Following the explosion, six persons sustained fire injuries. People started running away from the event and panic prevailed at the venue. “The injured were identified as Pintu Meena (26), Beenu Meena (35), Satendra (17), Umrao Meena

(65), Muneem Meena (35), and Malua Meena (18),” said an officer.

A team of senior doctors at the government hospital in Hindaun rushed to the hospital after the incident to take care of the patients. “Four victims have sustained serious injuries in the eyes and were rushed to the SMS Hospital in Jaipur. They have also sustained 40 per cent burn injuries,” the officer added. A large number of people also gathered at the hospital to know about the health of the injured undergoing treatment.

On the other hand, fearing a police case, the locals hid the exploded parts of the cannon. “We sent a team to the spot, but nothing was found. We will interrogate the organisers of the event to take legal action for this negligence,” said the officer.