Young Yakshagana artiste electrocuted near Agumbe after power line falls during storm

Udupi: In a tragic incident, a young Yakshagana artiste, Ranjith Bannadi, lost his life after a live power line fell on him near Agumbe on Tuesday night.

The accident occurred when Ranjith was returning home on a two-wheeler after a Yakshagana performance by the Sooralu troupe near Koppa was cancelled due to heavy rain. As he approached Agumbe, strong winds and rain caused a tree branch to snap, bringing down a live electric wire that fell directly on him.

Ranjith sustained a severe electric shock and collapsed on the spot. His fellow rider, Vinod Raj, a female-role performer (Stree Pathradhari) in the troupe, survived the incident thanks to the quick intervention of local residents.

Locals rushed Ranjith to a private hospital in Manipal in an emergency vehicle, but he was declared dead on arrival, sources confirmed. Vinod Raj is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Further details are awaited.