Belgaum: A devastating incident at Sri Maharshi Valmiki Temple in Sulebavi village, Belgaum Taluk, resulted in the death of two women by electrocution on Monday evening.
The victims have been identified as Savita Fakirappa Onti (34) and Kalavati Maruti Bidarawadi (41), both residents of Sulebavi village.
The tragedy unfolded after a weekly women’s association meeting at the temple. As part of their routine, the women had cleaned and washed the temple premises. Tragically, an electric wire had been severed and had fallen into the water used for cleaning.
As the women were concluding their work, one victim was electrocuted while handling an iron gate. In a heroic but ill-fated attempt to save her, the second woman also suffered electrocution.
Savita Onti succumbed to her injuries on the spot. Kalavati Bidarawadi was rushed to the district hospital by local residents but unfortunately passed away despite medical intervention.
The Mariha Police Station has registered a case and is investigating the incident.
The accident has cast a pall over the village, occurring on the first Monday of the Shravan month—a day traditionally observed in the community. The loss has been particularly heart-wrenching for the families involved, leaving children without mothers and a community in mourning.