CHENNAI: At least 5 out of the 20 palanquin bearers in an idol procession died due to drowning in the temple at Alandur in Tamil Nadu. The ghastly incident took place when the processionists left the palanquin on the shore and went into the pond for a holy dip. The expert swimmers fished out the bodies of the deceased.
According to the information given by Palavanthangal police, there is a procession of the Arthanareeswarar temple in the Madipakkam area next to Alandur. On the occasion of the festival held in this temple, 20 persons carried the idol of Lord Shiva in a palanquin and went on this procession.
Subsequently, at the end of the procession, the palanquin was left on the bank of the temple pond in the Muvarasampatu area and everyone got down into the pond. At that time, five people drowned in the water and did not come out. All others are safe. Shocked by this, the local people went down to the pond and searched. The Velachery fire department has been informed.
