At least 40 people, including ten children, were attacked by a swarm of giant honeybees or rock bees while they were engaged in Bakrid prayers at the Idga Maidan at Saraguru village in the taluk on Saturday.
The injured were rushed to the district hospital for treatment. Kesanbulla Sharif, Suhaib Sharif, Syed Ifta Khan, Syed Mujaid, Saeer, Rahem Sharif, Syed Ali and Syed Hussain, were all seriously injured, but were discharged after treatment.
According sources, one of the boys had allegedly flung a stone at the bee hive, prompting the swarm to attack those at the Maidan. Many worshippers were seen running away from the scene, many protecting their faces with their hands and clothing.
Eyewitnesses said that bees may have been disturbed by a strong perfume worn by devotees or the thick smoke from incense sticks which had been lit for prayers.
Published 27 October 2012, 19:14 IST