Locals said three of the injured are in critical condition. Earlier, violence could not be avoided in the annual traditional stick fight as thousands participated in the fest. Pre-emptive measures were taken by the police to stop the stick fight but it did not work.
No matter how many arrangements the police made in Devaragattu of Kurnool district, they could not stop the bloodshed. A large number of sticks fitted with iron rings were returned from house to house for three months. Even though a security force of 1500 personnel was set up to control the festivities, the police could not control them at all. A large number of people were injured as people flocked in large numbers.
A young man lost his life in an unexpected accident during the Devaragattu stick fight. Locals who came to watch the stick fight climbed a nearby tree. A young man named Ganesh lost his life on the spot when the branch of the tree broke. More than 100 devotees were injured during the Bunny festival. The condition of three of them is critical. The injured were shifted to Aluru Government Hospital for treatment.
Lakhs of people flock to Devaragattu to participate in Bunny Utsavam. Some came with a stick in one hand and some with divinity.
Temple committee president Srinivasulu, Kurnool SP Krishnakanth and Adoni sub-collector Abhishek Kumar gave permission for the festival. After that, the devotees reached the hill shouting loudly.
A stick fight was held between Nerani, Kothapeta, Neranithanda, Bilehal, Aluru, Ellarthi and Suluvai villages to get the ceremonial idols. A large number of villagers were injured by the sticks.
Efforts by the police and the revenue authorities to stop the stick fight were in vain. Devotees insisted that they have to continue the traditions even though awareness meetings have been held for a few days at Karrala Samaram. Even though the police seized the sticks, by the time of the Banni Utsav, thousands of youths appeared with sticks in their hands. To protect the ceremonial idols, they attacked with sticks. Special arrangements were made to provide medical aid to the injured.