Seer among five hurt in balloon blast at Suttur jathra

Minor burn injuries near the eye of Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami.

Mysuru, dhns: Five persons, including the Suttur seer and an MLC, sustained injuries in a gas balloon blast on the fifth day of the annual six-day Jathra, at Suttur in Nanjangud taluk of the district on Tuesday.

Seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami received minor burn injuries near his left eye. Former ZP member Kalmalli Shivakumar sustained injuries on his cheeks and face. He was admitted to a hospital in Mysuru. The other injured are MLC Marithibbegowda of the JD(S), Pailwan Rangappa and Hosakote Devanna. They were treated at the primary health centre in Suttur.

The blast occurred during the inaugural ceremony of the wrestling tournament organised as part of the fair. Five bunches of balloons, filled with gas, were held up by the organisers to be released to mark the inauguration of the tournament. They exploded as the flames of the sports torch touched them due to the wind. The people in the arena ran helter-skelter out of fear.

Speaking to reporters later, the seer said, “I am fine and there is no need for the devotees to get anxious. It is a minor incident. As the balloons were yellow in colour, it looks like it was a big explosion. The other programmes related to the jathra are being held without hindrance".

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara later called on the seer at the mutt and enquired about his well-being.