Puttur Stampede-Like Situation: 11 Injured at Event Attended By Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Over 11 people fell ill in a stampede-like situation at the "Ashoka Janaman - 2025" Diwali event in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada
on Monday, which was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The incident occurred during the 13th edition of the Janaman event, organised by Puttur MLA Ashok Rai and his Rai Estate and Charitable Trust, was held at the Puttur Taluk sports ground and saw attendance far exceeding the venue's capacity.

Officials said the stadium has a capacity of 20,000, but organisers had expected nearly 1 lakh attendees, far exceeding the safe limit. The overcrowding led to breathing difficulties, dizziness, and several people, including women and children, falling sick. Many were affected due to a lack of drinking water. The injured were immediately taken to Puttur Taluk Government Hospital by ambulance.

Some attendees reportedly fainted due to hunger and heat, as the incident occurred past lunchtime. Authorities noted that the police department had issued prior warnings about potential overcrowding, but the necessary precautions were not in place, leading to the chaotic situation.

The people admitted to Puttur Taluk Government Hospital include Yogita (20), Sabha Madavu (20), Amina Patrakodi (56), Netravati Irde (37), Lilavati Kadaba (50), Vasanti Balnad (53), Kusuma (62), Ratnavati Perigeri (67), Afila Patrakodi (20), Snehaprabha (41), and Jasila (30).

Over 1,000 volunteers were handling event management, including parking near Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple. Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV had imposed a no-fly and no-drone zone within 500 meters of the stadium for CM Siddaramaiah's visit.

Dignitaries such as Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader and District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will attend. Organizers emphasized that the event is apolitical, welcoming people of all communities and parties.