15 Youths Electrocuted While Setting Up Ganesh Pandal: 1 Dead, 14 Injured in Padra

In Dabkha village of Padra Taluka, 15 youths were electrocuted while setting up a Ganesh pandal near Verai Mata Temple. Prakash Dahyabhai Jadav, also known as Sachin, tragically died on the spot. The other 14 youths suffered injuries in various places. The incident occurred when an iron angle of the pandal came into contact with a high-tension power line.

Police Statement on the Incident

Vadu Police Station’s PI M.R. Chaudhary stated that the incident happened late at night while the pandal was being set up. The pandal was approximately 15 feet high. A case of accidental death has been registered, and further action is being taken.

6-Year-Old Daughter Loses Her Father’s Protection

Prakash, also known as Sachin Jadav, who died in the incident, was the second of three brothers. He ran a provision store in the village and had a 6-year-old daughter. His sudden death has left the family in shock.

The Deceased Was Known as Sachin Due to His Cricket Skills

Prakash Jadav was a skilled cricketer and was known as Sachin in Padra Taluka’s cricket tournaments. He was more popularly known by the name Sachin than his real name, Prakash.

15-Foot Tall Pandal Electrocutes 15 Youths

In Dabkha village, Ganeshotsav has been celebrated for the past 40 years. This year, for the 41st celebration, the youth of the village were setting up a 15-foot tall pandal for a 12-foot idol of Shriji. Due to darkness, the iron pole of the pandal touched an 11 KV power line, leading to 15 youths getting electrocuted, causing chaos.

Ganeshotsav to Continue with a Simplified Setup

Maheshbhai Jadav, a leader of the Ganesh Mandal, stated that the youth group had already booked a Shriji idol in Vadodara and were supposed to bring it on Friday. However, due to the tragic incident, the village has been engulfed in mourning. The mandal has now decided to celebrate Ganeshotsav by installing a betel nut (a symbolic representation) instead.