A fire broke out on Sunday at the yagna being performed by Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in Medak, where a visit by President Pranab Mukherjee was cancelled reportedly due to the incident.
However, no casualties were reported from the ‘Ayutha Chandi Maha Yagnam’ at the CM’s farmhouse.
Four fire tenders were rushed to douse the fire at the pandal which was brought under control.
Police said the flames from the ‘homagundam’ or the fire pit caught the temporary structure made of bamboo and grass.
{{/usCountry}}Police said the flames from the ‘homagundam’ or the fire pit caught the temporary structure made of bamboo and grass.
{{/usCountry}}The incident created panic among people who ran out of the yagyashala and adjoining structures.
Police removed barricades to prevent a stampede.
Sunday was the last day of the ritual. According to reports, about 2,000 priests from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were taking part in the mega ‘yagna’ being performed for universal peace.
Rao has spent about Rs 7 crore on performing the Yagna. He, however, confirmed that the state government will not be responsible for the budget, but the chief minister himself will be funding the function.
(With inputs from agencies)