Overcrowding Triggers Stampede-Like Situation at CM Siddaramaiah’s Event
Stampede-like scene at Puttur gift distribution leaves women, children ill.
A festive event turned chaotic on October 20, 2025, at Kombettu Ground in Puttur, Karnataka, when 13 women and children fell ill during the Ashoka Jana Mana program attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Organized by Puttur MLA Ashok Rai to distribute plates and clothes for Deepavali, the event spiraled into a stampede-like situation as an unexpectedly large crowd overwhelmed the venue, leading to dehydration and suffocation among attendees.
The program, which began later than scheduled and concluded around 4 p.m., saw tensions rise as the crowd exceeded the stadium’s capacity. Witnesses reported that the situation escalated when attendees rushed toward the area where lunch was served and gifts were distributed, shortly after the Chief Minister’s departure. The absence of adequate drinking water facilities exacerbated the crisis, particularly for women who had brought young children, many of whom struggled in the packed and stifling environment.
Local police sources attributed the incident to delays in serving lunch and handing out gifts, which triggered a frantic surge toward the distribution points. “The incident occurred because of the delay in serving lunch and distributing gifts,” a police official stated. “Women fell ill due to dehydration.” Medical teams responded promptly, administering intravenous fluids to three women, while the remaining ten were treated and discharged. Authorities confirmed that all affected individuals are now out of danger, but the incident has raised concerns about event management and crowd control.
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Attendees criticized the lack of basic amenities, with many noting the inadequate provision of drinking water as a critical oversight. Families who had arrived early to secure gifts faced prolonged waits under challenging conditions, compounding their discomfort. The event, intended as a goodwill gesture ahead of Deepavali, instead left participants frustrated and highlighted logistical shortcomings in handling large gatherings.
This incident underscores the need for improved planning at high-profile public events, particularly those involving vulnerable groups like women and children. As Karnataka prepares for further festive celebrations, local authorities face pressure to enhance safety measures, ensure timely resource distribution, and provide essential facilities to prevent such mishaps. The Puttur event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in balancing public outreach with effective crowd management.
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