Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun23: As per reports received, four persons from the state, who are on a pilgrimage to Badrinath, died due to the heat wave sweeping North India. They were part of a 200-member group that had started from Bangalore for the said pilgrimage on June 17. Spiritual head of Pejawar Mutt, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji, also is a member of the group.

The deceased have been identified as Susheelamma (65) from K R Pet, Geeta Murty (68) from Bangalore, Sukanya Dandin (65) from Hospet, and Vasanta (65) from Bangalore. Six other pilgrims, who had suffered giddiness and nausea, are recovering in hospitals.

It is said that the organizers of the pilgrimage had advised the group not to venture out, as New Delhi is experiencing unbearable heat, with temperatures reaching 50 degree celcius on some days. The enthusiastic pilgrims ignored the warning and tried to make the best use of available time by visiting different places, it is said.

The pilgrims had visited various places in and around Delhi on June 20 and visited Mathura and Brindavan on June 22. On June 22, the group was to leave for Haridwar. However, on reaching New Delhi railway station on Tuesday, four of the group suffered sunstroke and fell down. They were taken to a hospital, but two of them were declared dead later. One of the pilgrims had fallen to the ground at the place where the group was camping, and died at a hospital later, because of unbearable heat. One more died in the train itself, it is gathered.