Stampede-like Situation at Donor Pass Entry Mars Grand Dasara Celebrations in Warangal
In Short
A stampede-like situation at Warangal’s Ursu Dasara celebrations injured several women and children at the Donor Pass entry gate, triggering criticism over crowd management and security arrangements.
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Stampede-like Situation at Donor Pass Entry Mars Grand Dasara Celebrations in Warangal
WARANGAL: The Ursu Dasara celebrations at Rangaleela Maidan in Warangal were held on a grand scale on the occasion of Vijayadashami, with a large crowd gathering to witness the effigy burning of Ravana. However, a stampede-like situation at the Donor Pass entry gate left several women and children injured, drawing sharp criticism over the arrangements.
The Ravana Dahanam, organised under the aegis of the Ursu Dasara Festival Committee, symbolised the victory of good over evil. Public representatives and senior officials set fire to the effigy of Ravana in the presence of a huge gathering.
Leaders’ Address
Addressing the gathering, Warangal East MLA Konda Surekha said Vijayadashami symbolised the victory of good over evil. She hoped for abundant rains with the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakali and said the country would prosper only when farmers were well-off.
Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Chairperson Gundu Sudharani said the tradition of the Rathayatra during the Ursu Dasara festivities had been continuing since ancient times. Referring to the impact of El Nino, she appealed to the people to use water and electricity judiciously as directed by the Chief Minister.
Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Banda Prakash recalled his childhood memories and said the Dasara celebrations at Rangaleela Maidan had a special tradition. He described the annual event as a spectacular visual treat.
Collector Dr Satya Sharada said Lord Rama was worshipped as a god by the people for his virtues and ideal way of life. She said Vijayadashami was celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
MLC Basavaraju Sarayya, Warangal Police Commissioner N Shwetha, Additional Collector (Revenue) L Kishore Kumar, East Zone DCP Ankit Kumar, Central Zone DCP Dara Kavitha, Warangal RDO Suma, Khila Warangal Tahsildar Iqbal and others attended the programme.
Chaos at Entry Gate
Even as the celebrations were proceeding smoothly, chaos broke out at the Donor Pass entry gate. As people rushed into the ground simultaneously to gain entry, a minor stampede-like situation occurred, leaving several women and children injured, according to information.
Although the authorities were aware that a huge crowd would turn up, people alleged that adequate arrangements were not made at the entry point. Several women complained that some miscreants behaved indecently with them near the entry gate. They alleged that those who questioned the behaviour were threatened in the name of donor passes.
Locals said the absence of proper security, orderly queue lines and special arrangements for women, children and the elderly led to severe criticism. They urged the organisers and police to coordinate effectively and take adequate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.
