Maharashtra: Man dies after falling off during human pyramid formation

In a tragic development, a man died while forming a human pyramid during Dahi Handi celebrations on the eve of Janmashtami in Dhansar Kashipada of Palghar district on 15 August.

The incident happened around 6.30 p.m., when Rohan Gopinath Kini fell off during human pyramid formation after suffering a seizure, following which he was rushed immediately taken to Philia hospital but was declared brought dead by the medical officer.

Police has registered a case of accidental death in Palghar police station.

The deceased's body was sent for the post mortem and the actual reason of death will be clear only after the report.

Reportedly, in last five years, around 1,171 govindas got injured and approximately five lost their lives while attempting to break the dahi handis.

On August, the Maharashtra Government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court in connection with the Dahi Handi matter.

While on August 1, the apex court sent back the 'Dahi Handi' case to Bombay High Court for fresh consideration in view of written submissions filed by the State.

A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Kurian Joseph and also comprising Justice R. Banumathi, sent back the case to the Bombay High court for fresh consideration.

The apex court conducted the hearing on the affidavit filed by the Maharashtra Government.

The affidavit states that the Maharashtra Police has issued guidelines for the said event, according to which, the organisers are directed to make arrangements for mattresses for all the Dahi Handi events across the state.

In the guidelines, it has also been stated that a strong network of nylon rope will be used at every venue. Moreover, first aid and ambulances will be ready at the venue.

The participants should be given medical facility immediately after being wounded and sent to the hospital, the guidelines stated.

The court had earlier banned youth below the age of 18 to participate in Dahi Handi rituals and restricted the height of the human pyramid to 20 feet. 

-ANI