Chennai: Man whose leg was crushed under chariot succumbs

CHENNAI: A 24-year-old man who was critically injured after a temple chariot ran over his leg during a procession last week died in a hospital on Friday (April 3) morning.

The police identified the deceased as Gubendiran, son of Karunanithi, a resident of New Street in Mannady, Chennai. Gubendiran succumbed to his injuries at Stanley Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment since the accident.

According to the North Beach Police, the incident occurred around 4.15 pm on Sunday near the compound wall of the Arulmigu Malleeswarar Temple on Linghi Chetty Street, Mannady. The temple's annual chariot festival was underway, and Gubendiran was part of the team pulling the chariot.

During the final stages of the procession, Gubendiran was attempting to place a wooden wedge under the wheel to stop the chariot. In the process, his left foot got caught under the right wheel; as he lost his balance and fell, the chariot ran over his leg, leaving him with a crushed left leg and a fractured pelvis with internal bleeding.

Gubendiran was rushed to Stanley Hospital; however, despite medical efforts, he failed to respond to treatment and passed away on Friday.

The police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by V Muthu Raj, executive officer of Malleeswarar Temple.