Pune: A festive atmosphere at a temple in Pune turned into a moment of panic when gulal (colored powder) accidentally fell on a burning lamp, triggering a sudden flare-up. The incident left a 14-year-old boy with severe burns. However, a major disaster was averted due to the swift action of his relatives, who were present at the scene.
The injured boy, identified as Mayank Kunal Kalekar (14), a resident of Gokhalenagar, was caught in the fire when his shirt ignited due to the sudden explosion of gulal. His hair, hand, and cheek were burned. He suffered 18% burns and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
The Chatuhshrungi police have registered a case against Navnath Jadhav (55) and Vijay Shinde (38) of Ramoshiwadi. The complaint was lodged by Kunal Vinod Kalekar (39), Mayank’s father.
The incident took place at around 2:30 AM on Sunday at the Vetala Maharaj Palkhi Visava Temple in Ramoshiwadi, where a religious program was underway. According to police reports, around 15 to 20 people were inside the temple hall, while 40 to 50 others were outside, participating in the event.
During the palkhi (palanquin) lifting ceremony, Navnath Jadhav threw gulal on Vijay Shinde. Shinde reacted angrily and grabbed a plastic bag filled with gulal, throwing it back at Jadhav. However, some of the gulal landed on a burning lamp inside the temple. The powder, which contained flammable chemicals, ignited instantly, creating a sudden explosion.
Mayank, who was standing nearby, got caught in the flames as his shirt caught fire. His hair and parts of his body, including his hand and cheek, suffered burns. Fortunately, Mayank’s uncle was present at the temple when the fire broke out. Reacting swiftly, he wrapped the boy in a nearby cloth, extinguishing the flames before they could cause more severe injuries. This timely action prevented a major tragedy.
