Overview
- A moving temple chariot turned sharply and pinned two youths between its rear wheel and a building, leaving one dead and the other seriously injured.
- The crash occurred on May 31 during the Vaikasi Visakam ther festival at the Arthanareeswarar temple and the pair were pulled out and rushed to hospitals.
- The victim, identified as Harshavardhan, died en route or on arrival at Salem Government Hospital and his companion Sashidharan is being treated for leg and hip fractures at a private facility.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced Rs 5 lakh in immediate ex-gratia to the bereaved family and ministers visited the hospital to offer condolences and oversee medical support.
- Tiruchengode police have opened an investigation into the cause and handling of the procession, a probe that could prompt tighter controls on chariot turns and crowd proximity in narrow temple streets.