Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Veteran Umpire Dies After Bee Swarm Attacks Junior Cricket Match in Unnao

Officials link the sudden on-field assault to a hive on a banyan tree beside the ground.

Overview

  • Manik Gupta, 65, a long-time Kanpur Cricket Association umpire, died after multiple stings during league play at Rahul Sapru ground in Shuklaganj, Unnao.
  • Police said another umpire was hurt and about 15–20 players suffered stings as panic forced players and spectators to flee for cover.
  • Gupta was taken from private clinics in Shuklaganj to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
  • KCA president S N Singh confirmed the death and described bees still clinging to Gupta as he was rushed for care, underscoring the intensity of the attack.
  • Eyewitnesses reported a beehive on a banyan tree near the boundary and earlier minor stinging incidents that morning; KCA pledged support to the family, and colleagues said the family declined a post-mortem as reports noted possible pre-existing health issues.