Over 15 devotees from Karnataka have been reported dead, eight of them from Gokak of Belgaum district. They are identified as Chandu, Manikanta, Babu, Basu, Govinda, Buddi, Purushottam, Govinda. It is said that these devotees were returning home after witnessing “Makaravilakku,” at Sabarimala.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa announced an ex-Gratia relief of Rs one lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 25,000 to the injured. The Bangalore Police have set up two helplines which can be reached at 080-22211777 and 18004250100 (toll free).
Special teams from Gokak and Bangalore have left to the tragedy site headed by ministers Umesh Katti and Shobha Karandalaje. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa is also expected to visit the accident site. He is expected to fly from Haveri to Kochi this afternoon.
Published 15 January 2011, 04:59 IST