What happened near Renigunta during the Tirumala darshan pilgrimage
In the early hours of a Tuesday near Renigunta, a Karnataka native identified as Shiva caused a security scare by climbing a 220kV high‑voltage transmission tower. The incident unfolded after he reportedly missed a train bound for Tirumala and, authorities say, consumed alcohol. The moment sent shockwaves through nearby settlements as utility crews halted power supply to the area to facilitate a possible rescue and prevent electrocution risks.
Neighbors and onlookers reported seeing a man perched atop the towering structure, which is used to carry electricity across the region. With power cut, the situation turned precarious as the person began to move along live wires, creating dangerous stunts that drew swift attention from police, fire services, and electricity department officials.
Timeline of events
Around 2 a.m., police and local fire teams reached the scene near Guruwarajuplli, in the Renigunta area. Because the tower was exceptionally tall, direct communication with the climber proved difficult. As a safety measure, engineers temporarily suspended 220kV electricity supply in the vicinity to reduce risk to both the man and the responders. The climber reportedly talked on a mobile phone while atop the structure, making it harder for authorities to persuade him to descend.
After several hours, authorities arranged a controlled operation. A barrier and improvised containment were set up, and the climber eventually fell from the tower into a cordoned area. Police and rescue teams moved quickly to secure the spot and attended to the injured man, who sustained head injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Identity and motive
Renigunta police disclosed that the individual hails from Kaduru in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. He is reported to be involved in garlic farming and is said to have three children. Officials are probing the sequence of events that led him to scale the high‑voltage tower, including the role of alcohol consumption after a missed Tirumala return train. While the exact motive remains under investigation, authorities are focusing on social and behavioral factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Impact, response, and safety notes
The attempt caused a temporary disruption in power supply for the surrounding area, frightening residents and delaying routine activities. Fire and police teams coordinated with electricity department engineers to bring the situation under control, ensuring the safety of bystanders and workers alike. Such episodes highlight the dangers of fiddling with electrical infrastructure, especially in crowded pilgrimage corridors where stressed travelers may misjudge risks or act impulsively after delays or disappointment.
Officials stress that climbing or handling high‑voltage equipment is illegal and extremely dangerous. Authorities urge pilgrims and visitors to avoid approaching towers or any electrical assets and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The incident underscores the need for heightened safety measures during peak Tirumala darshan periods, when large crowds and travel delays can strain resources and provoke unconventional behavior.
Authorities’ response and next steps
Renigunta police, along with district authorities and the local electricity utility, are conducting a detailed inquiry into the incident. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, mobile records, and statements from witnesses to determine the climber’s intentions and any potential systemic failures that may have contributed to the situation. The injured man remains under medical care, while law enforcement prepares a formal report on the incident and potential charges, including endangering public safety and tampering with critical infrastructure.
Background: Tirumala darshan and Karnataka pilgrims
Tirumala is a major pilgrimage destination drawing thousands of devotees from across Karnataka and other states. Trains and buses ferry devotees to the hill shrine, and delays during the return journey have, at times, sparked frustration. This incident, while isolated, underscores the broader context in which pilgrims travel and the importance of safety protocols near vital infrastructure during pilgrimage seasons.
