Three Drown In Vaigai River During Azhagar Festivities In TN's Madurai

The police had to rescue a few other persons including a woman from the river bed after she complained of uneasiness.

The bodies of 3 persons were recovered from a check dam constructed across river Vaigai where Chithirai festivities including Lord Kallazhagar's entry into the river was held in Madurai on Friday. The incident took place despite only a few people being allowed to enter the river in order to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

According to the Hindu, one of the three deceased persons has been identified as Premkumar (18) of Vilacheri. However, the identities of a 30-year-old man and another 45-year-old man are yet to be known. 

The police, said Prem Kumar had come with his mother and brother to witness the Kallazhagar festival. However, he suddenly got into the river bed and walked to the check dam to get a closer view of the festivities. Only later it was found out that he went missing.

The police started the search after his mother lodged a complaint. During the search, the police also recovered the body of another 30-year-old man. The police said that the check dam was slushy and the water was above 5 feet.

They said that the 45-year-old man might have died the previous day.

Meanwhile, the police had to rescue a few other persons including a woman from the river bed after she complained of uneasiness. The people despite the warning had also dangerously hurled little boys in the air, said the report.

Over 10 lakh people from across the state took part in the Lord Kallazhagar ceremony held on Friday.

Chithirai festival also known as Chithirai Thiruvizha, Meenakshi Kalyanam or Meenakshi Thirukalyanam encompasses the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar.

An unprecedented crowd of devotees gathered near the Vaigai River to witness Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the river as part of the Chithirai festival, in Madurai, said a report on ANI on Friday.