Despite Intensive Care, Two Ayyappa Devotees Pass Away in Hubballi
Hubballi, (Hubli Express News): Two of the nine Ayyappa Swami devotees who sustained severe burn injuries in a cylinder blast at Sai Nagar, Unakal, in Hubballi succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning. Despite intensive treatment at KMCRI Hospital over the past three days, the victims, identified as Nijalingappa Bepuri (58), also known as Ajja Swamy, and Sanjay Savadatti (17), could not be saved.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has left the Ayyappa Swami community in shock. While two devotees tragically passed away, the remaining seven are still receiving treatment at KMCRI, with doctors striving to stabilize their condition.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Minister Santosh Lad, in coordination with the state government, arranged for expert doctors to be flown in from Bengaluru to provide advanced medical care. KMCRI Hospital has been making relentless efforts to save the injured devotees.
According to KMCRI Director Dr. S.F. Kammar, Nijalingappa Bepuri succumbed to his injuries at 2:20 am, while Sanjay passed away at 5:40 am. Post-mortem examinations were completed by 7:00 am, and the bodies were handed over to their families after Minister Santosh Lad and Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu paid their respects.
State Government Announces ₹5 Lakh Ex-Gratia
Minister Santosh Lad, who paid his respects to the mortal remains of Ajja Swamy and Sanjay, announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Speaking on the tragic incident, he expressed his condolences, stating, “It is an unfortunate event. Despite the best medical care, the injured could not recover from their severe injuries.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the cylinder blast. Meanwhile, prayers and support are pouring in from the community for the recovery of the injured devotees.
