Three people were electrocuted and nine others injured during a Durga idol immersion procession in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur on Wednesday, officials said.
The six-foot-tall idol was being carried on a tractor-trolley when its iron support structure touched an overhead high-tension wire near Ayodhya Prasad village between 4 pm and 4.30 pm.
District Magistrate Deepak Meena said the injured were stable and receiving treatment. One of the two police constables accompanying the procession also suffered a minor electric shock and was receiving medical attention.
#WATCH | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: On the electrocution tragedy during an idol immersion procession, Gorakhpur SSP Dr Kaustubh says, "A statue, approximately six feet tall, came into contact with a high-tension wire around 4.00 to 4.30 PM. The statue was mounted on an iron structure, which touched the high-tension wire. Two police constables were accompanying the statue; both have now been placed under suspension. One of the constables also received a minor electric shock, and he is currently receiving medical attention. All demands raised by the families of the three deceased individuals have been met. The family members had briefly blocked the road, but they were persuaded to clear it; they are now satisfied, and further necessary procedures are being carried out. The situation is completely peaceful..."— ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2026
Both constables, along with an electricity department lineman and junior engineer, have been suspended.
Local accounts alleged that electricity supply, switched off for the procession, resumed as the trolley reached Rajahi intersection.
The victims’ families briefly blocked the road while demanding action. Officials said their demands had been met and they were persuaded to clear the road. The situation was peaceful.
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