Electric Shock Kills 2, Injures Dozens at Uttar Pradesh Temple

At the Ausaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, two devotees died and at least 19 others were injured after a live electric wire snapped and caused electrocution during early Monday morning prayers in the holy month of Sawan. The incident was triggered when monkeys jumped on an overhead electric wire, causing it to fall onto a tin shed, which then conducted the electric current through the structure. Panic ensued among the worshippers, some of whom were electrocuted, while others were injured in a stampede-like situation as they tried to flee. Authorities, including the district magistrate and police, responded promptly, and medical treatment was provided at local health centers with some victims referred to district hospitals. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced compensation for the families of the deceased, while the administration has launched an inquiry and directed the power department to inspect the site. This incident follows a similar crowd panic and fatalities at the Mansa Devi temple in nearby Uttarakhand, raising concerns about safety management at crowded religious sites in India.