KOLHAPUR: Chandgad's newly elected independent MLA Shivaji Patil had close shave after vermilion (Gulal) caught fire coming into contact with Aukshan Thali having diya.
The video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
The vermilion is basically chemical-mercury sulfide-which is inflammable. Patil's supporters gathered nearby suffered minor injuries.
Patil defeated sitting MLA of NCP Rajesh Patil by around 24,000 votes. After the victory, Patil had arrived in Mahagaon village where his supporters had load of Gulal ready.
While women had Auskhan (Aarti) thali standing the Gulal was poured which came into contact with the fire of the diya leading to sudden fire. The women and some men suffered abrasions. Incident happened at Mahagaon village.
Some women who were in the procession have also been injured, an eyewitness said.
Patil later said that he is safe and have no injuries of any sort and has arranged medical aid for those who came into contact with the fire.
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