Hyderabad Ganesh event death: Organiser booked over alleged safety violations

Musheerabad police arrested a 34-year-old real estate businessman in connection with the death of a 19-year-old youth during a Ganesh Agaman event on September 5. Police alleged negligence, unauthorised arrangements and excessive sound levels contributed to panic during the procession

Hyderabad: The Musheerabad police on Monday arrested a 34-year-old real estate businessman in connection with the death of a 19-year-old youth during the Ganesh Agaman event on September 5.

The suspect, Mohammad Maher Siddiq Ahmed, alias Siddiq Bhai and Siddiq Anna, a resident of Ramnagar, organised a Ganesh Agaman event in Musheerabad on September 5.

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According to police, the victim, S Badrinath, 19, had gone to the Ganesh Agaman procession with a friend. He collapsed during the event and was shifted to Gandhi Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The family suspected that Badrinath’s death was linked to the stampede-like situation at the procession and approached the police. During the investigation, police alleged that Siddiq had arranged stages, trusses, illumination, bands, DJ and sound systems, and loudspeakers for the event.

Police said the organiser allegedly did not obtain the necessary permissions for the truss, DJ systems and bursting of firecrackers. Despite repeated warnings, the sound systems allegedly operated beyond permissible limits.

During the programme, firecrackers were allegedly burst near the crowd, triggering panic and sudden movement. Police booked Siddiq and others under Section 105 read with Section 3(5) of the BNS, alleging negligence with knowledge of the likely danger to human life.