Groom-to-be run over by palanquin-tractor in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: What was meant to be a joyful visit to a temple fair turned into a tragedy for a 29-year-old man, who was soon to be married, as he lost his life in an accident at Hulimavu in the early hours of Thursday.The incident occurred during the annual Brahmarathotsava celebrations at the Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered. As part of the festivities, a late-night palanquin procession was being held.Akshath, a resident of Banashankari 2nd Stage, went to Hulimavu to distribute his wedding invitations to his friends. He stayed back at a friend's house to watch the procession. His marriage was scheduled for the end of the month.Based on preliminary investigations, police said Akshath was standing by the roadside watching the palanquin of Sri Mutturayaswamy when a tractor carrying it ran over him around 4.30am. The tractor hit Akshath, who fell onto the road. The tractor's right rear wheel dragged him for a few metres and ran over him, causing injuries to his head, abdomen and back. People at the spot rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead.The incident left his family and friends devastated. The tractor driver abandoned the vehicle at the spot and fled. Hulimavu traffic police registered a case against the driver based on a complaint filed by Akshath's father Purushottam, a businessman who owns fuel stations and schools in the city.Preliminary reports suggest the accident occurred due to driver negligence. DCP (south traffic) Gopal M Byakod visited the spot.Hulimavu traffic police later nabbed the absconding tractor driver, identified as Asadullah, 53, by late evening. His blood samples were collected to ascertain whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol.Akshath was a BCA graduate and was assisting his father in the family business. The family donated his eyes before the post-mortem.