By A friendly kabaddi match in Chhattisgarh turned into a scene of horror on Thursday evening when three people lost their lives due to electrocution caused by a sudden thunderstorm. The tragic incident took place in the Kharora area of Raipur district, where the local community had gathered to watch an inter-village kabaddi tournament that ended abruptly in chaos and heartbreak.
According to local authorities, the match was being held on an open ground, with temporary lighting and sound arrangements set up using metal poles and wires. As the match progressed, dark clouds began to gather, followed by strong winds and lightning. Witnesses said the storm hit suddenly, catching both players and spectators off guard. In the confusion that followed, one of the lighting poles reportedly came into contact with a live wire, resulting in an electric current spreading across the wet ground.
“People were running for cover when we saw a bright flash and heard screams,” said a local resident who had attended the event. “A few of the players and spectators fell to the ground instantly. It all happened within seconds.”
Emergency services were called immediately, and local villagers rushed the injured to a nearby hospital. Doctors confirmed that three men had died from electric shock, while at least four others sustained injuries but are now reported to be out of danger. The deceased have been identified as young local players who had participated in the kabaddi event. Their families, devastated by the sudden loss, were inconsolable as news of the tragedy spread through the community.
Raipur district police and electricity department officials have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that improper wiring and lack of safety measures at the venue were key factors behind the electrocution. “We have taken cognizance of the matter. A team is inspecting the site to determine whether the organizers had obtained the necessary safety clearance,” said a senior police officer.
Local villagers allege that despite repeated warnings about the approaching storm, the match continued for several minutes. “There was lightning all around, but the organizers didn’t stop the game until the winds became too strong,” one eyewitness claimed. “By then, it was too late.”
The district administration has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia compensation for the victims’ families. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister also issued a condolence statement, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Kharora. The families of the deceased will receive full support and assistance from the government. Safety at public events must always be prioritized.”
Experts say such incidents are preventable with proper precautions. Temporary electrical setups for rural sporting events often lack grounding and insulation, making them extremely dangerous during rainfall or storms. “In rural tournaments, it’s common to see live wires running close to playing areas,” said a local engineer. “Organizers need to follow basic electrical safety guidelines — especially when events are held outdoors.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Chhattisgarh’s sports community, where kabaddi remains a deeply rooted tradition. Matches like these often serve as community gatherings, celebrating local talent and spirit. What was meant to be a joyful sporting evening turned into a painful reminder of how fragile safety can be when nature turns hostile.
As villagers mourn the loss of three young lives, calls are growing for stricter safety protocols and government oversight of local sports events. Authorities are also considering issuing new advisories to ensure proper weather monitoring and electrical safety in public gatherings.
For the small village where the match took place, the memory of that stormy evening will linger for a long time. What began as a celebration of sport ended in tragedy — a heartbreaking lesson in the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and respect for nature’s unpredictable power.
