Kerala: Man dies while trying to catch Dulquer Salmaan's glimpse
What's the story
Attempting to catch a glimpse of Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan cost a 45-year-old man, identified as Hari, his life. Hari was among the thousands who came to a mall inauguration in Kottarakara, Kollam district, Kerala, whose chief guest was the 32-year-old actor. Amid the crowd frenzy, Hari, a heart patient, started feeling uneasy. He was rushed to hospital but died on the way.
What happened
Salmaan was greeted by loyal fans at mall
Saturday marked Salmaan's first public outing in the state after his debut Bollywood movie 'Karwaan' hit screens. Videos which surfaced on social media showed him being greeted by thousands of fans. Caught in the frenzy, an uneasy Hari was given a place to sit, but he fainted. Multiple reports suggested he died due to stampede, but police denied it, blaming it on poor management.
Instagram Post
This video gives an idea of what went by
Action taken
Police register case against mall owner for 'mismanagement'
The police have registered a case against organizers for poorly organizing the event. As can be seen in the video, thousands were crammed into a limited space. An officer from Kottarakara station said, "We have registered a case under IPC Section 283 (danger or obstruction in public way) against the owner of the mall." He added the MC Road was blocked for two hours.
Precaution
Even idols can be hurt, says former DGP
Speaking about the incident, former DGP Jacob Punnoose said when a large crowd forms, police can't use force. He called for use of barricades and planning while keeping police in the loop. "Even the idols and heroes can get seriously hurt," said Punnoose. Hari lived at Pravachambalam, 65 km away from Kollam. It is reported that three others also suffered injuries at the event.