Don't blame Lord, says Kondagattu temple head priest

The head priest of Anjaneya Swamy Temple on Wednesday said it is wrong to say that the victims, who died when the TSRTC bus fell into a gorge, were devotees.

“As far as I know only four to five people boarded the bus from temple stop. The accident took place within minutes after leaving the Kondagattu temple stop. The driver chose a dangerous road which is generally closed for heavy vehicles,” he said.

In one of the goriest accidents in Telangana, 57 people were killed and 28 were injured when a state-run bus fell into a gorge on Tuesday morning.

“Many are asking me how come on a Tuesday, which is considered very special for Lord Anjaneya, a major accident can occur. I tell them that it was a human mistake and advise them not to blame the Lord,” Maruthi Swamy said.

He said that almost all the passengers were from the five villages down the hill and were on their way to Jagtial. However, there was sparse footfall at the busy temple on Wednesday and many were seen discussing the accident.

According to legend, the temple was constructed by a cowherd about 300 years ago. The present-day temple was renovated 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh.