Kakinada: Four youths lost their lives, and another individual sustained burn injuries from an electric shock while setting up flex banners for the unveiling of a statue of Sardar Papanna Gowd in Tadiparru village, Undrajavaram mandal, East Godavari district, early on Monday.
According to police, the deceased were identified as Bolla Veerraju, 26, Marisetty Manikanta, 28, Pamarthi Nagendra, 23, and Kasagani Krishna, 20. Komati Anantha Rao, 38, a resident of the village, was injured. The incident occurred when a live wire came into contact with the flex banner. Actor Suman was scheduled to unveil the statue, and permission for its installation had been granted by Kovvuru RDO Rani Sushmitha.
The incident has caused deep grief throughout the village and district. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy, announcing an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakh for each victim’s family. He instructed officials to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Tourism Minister Kandhula Durgesh, Energy and Power Minister G. Ravi Kumar, Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari, and other leaders conveyed their condolences to the families, assuring that support would be provided. Minister Durgesh also directed officials to ensure quality medical care for the injured.
BJP State President D. Purandeswari described the incident as tragic, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to avoid similar accidents. She assured that the government would provide all necessary support to the victims and the families of the deceased.
