Three Electrocuted During Kabaddi Match In Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon

A tragic electrocution incident during a local kabaddi match claimed three lives and injured three others when a spectator tent came into contact with a high-tension power line amid a sudden storm, authorities reported on September 21, 2025. The accident occurred on Saturday night in Ravaswahi village under the Baderajpur development block of Kondagaon district, a remote area in the state's Bastar region known for its tribal communities and rural sporting events. Kabaddi, a popular contact team sport in India, often draws large crowds in villages, but such gatherings can pose safety risks in areas with outdated infrastructure.

The mishap unfolded around 8 p.m. as the match was in progress, according to Kondagaon police station officer-in-charge Rajesh Sahu. A fierce storm with strong winds caused an 11 kV overhead power line to sway and touch the iron pole supporting the temporary tent erected for spectators. The electrical discharge instantly shocked multiple individuals seated underneath, turning a festive evening into chaos.

Local residents, acting swiftly, transported six affected victims to the Vishrampuri community health centre, approximately 15 km away. Three were pronounced dead on arrival due to severe electrocution, while the remaining three sustained burns and required immediate medical attention.

The deceased were identified as Satish Netam, a 28-year-old kabaddi player who had been watching from the stands; Shyamlal Netam, 35, a farmer from Ravaswahi; and Sunil Shori, 42, from the neighbouring village of Baderajpur.

All hailed from the local Gond tribal community, underscoring the incident's impact on the area's close-knit society. Two of the injured—both in critical condition with 40% burns—were airlifted to Raipur's Maharani Hospital for advanced treatment, where they remain under intensive care. The third survivor is stable but under observation.

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Preliminary investigations point to negligence in tent placement near active power lines, a common issue in rural Chhattisgarh, where electrification has outpaced safety regulations. The district administration has launched a probe under the Electricity Act, 2003, to examine the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board's role and potential violations. Compensation of ₹4 lakh each has been announced for the families of the deceased, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressing condolences and ordering a safety audit of rural sports venues.

This tragedy highlights broader concerns over electrical infrastructure in storm-prone regions, where similar incidents have claimed over 200 lives annually in India. Community leaders have called for mandatory safety drills and insulated tents at future events to prevent recurrences.

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