Artists dressed as Hindu gods during Ramleela. (Image for representation)
Credit: PTI
Lucknow: Tragedy struck a ‘Ramleela’ event (dramatic enactment of Lord Rama’s life), when an arrow hit one of demon king Ravana’s eyes during his battle with Lord Rama allegedly resulting in loss of his eyesight.
The incident happened in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district during a ‘Ramleela’ at Khera village a few days back.
It however came to light on Saturday when Sunil Kumar, who played the role of Ravana, lodged a complaint with the police accusing the ‘Ramleela’ Committee of not extending any medical help to him after the incident.
According to the reports, the battle between Rama and Ravana was being staged when the incident happened. Sunil fell on the stage after being allegedly hit by the arrow.
His family members rushed him to the primary health centre from where he was referred to a hospital in the neighbouring Varanasi town, where despite all efforts by the doctors, he lost sight in his left eye.
Kumar, who hailed from the SC community, later lodged a complaint with the police charging the organisers with neglect, the reports said.
Naitik Pandey, who played the role of Rama, said that he had taken aim at Ravana’s crown but the arrow accidentally hit Kumar’s eye.
A case under the SC/ST Act was registered, the police said, adding that they were investigating the matter.
Reports said that Kumar had been taking part in the ‘Ramleela’ for the past several years and almost always played the role of Ravana.