Narrow escape for Gowda couple during Brahmarathotsava

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma had a narrow escape in the stampede during the Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Brahmarathotsava in the town on Friday.

Deve Gowda, along with his family members, wife Chennamma, son H D Revanna and others had participated in the popular annual Brahmarathotsava. Gowda expressed his wish to pull the chariot for a few feet. After performing puja to the procession deity he tried to come near the chariot so as to catch hold of the rope to pull the chariot.

As the 'nagari' (trumpet), was blown suddenly, the devotees, unaware of Deve Gowda standing there started pulling the chariot, which resulted in a stampede. As the chariot started moving suddenly, the Gowda couple got confused. However, Revanna, who was nearby acted swiftly and pushed them aside saving them in a fraction of a second.

The police personnel's whistle to stop the chariot went unheard amid chanting of hymns by the devotees. However, the people immediately took them aside so that they do not get stuck in the crowd. They also lauded Revanna for his presence of mind, while saving his parents from the possible stampede.