Berhampur: A 16-year-old boy was allegedly electrocuted after getting off a giant wheel ride at a fair set up near the Gundicha temple in Paralakhemundi town of Gajapati district on Thursday evening during Rath Yatra festivities. Binod Behera, a resident of Paralakhemundi who recently cleared the HSC exam, joined his family in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath.After the ceremony, he visited the Meena Bazaar near the temple, where the giant wheel was installed by a private operator. Police said Binod allegedly came in contact with an electric current after stepping down from the ride and collapsed on the spot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His father, Mohan Behera, alleged Binod died due to electrocution, suspecting contact with the live wire. His other family members, who visited the bazaar, were not hurt, he said. He lodged a complaint in this regard at Paralakhemundi police station.Prasant Bhupati, inspector in charge, Paralakhemundi, said they have registered a case and launched an investigation. The exact cause of the death would be ascertained only after getting a post-mortem report. He said they stopped the operation of the ride after the mishap to arrest further mishaps. Preliminary investigation revealed that at the time of the incident there was a power cut in the area. The operator operated the ride by using a generator, police said.
