3 killed, 22 injured as SUV rams into Ganesh immersion procession in Chhattisgarh; driver held

RAIPUR: At least three people were killed and 22 injured when a speeding SUV rammed into a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district late on Tuesday night.The incident occurred after 11.30 pm in Jurudand village in the Bagicha region, where about 150 devotees were walking with drums and music for the immersion. A Bolero car, coming from the Raikera side, veered into the crowd, striking participants.The deceased identified as Arvind Karketta (19), Vipin Prajapati (17), and Khirowati Yadav (32), who died at the scene. Injured devotees were taken by passing vehicles to the Bagicha Primary Health Centre, with 18 of the seriously hurt referred to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital for treatment.According to Jashpur Superintendent of Police Shashimohan Singh, "Three people died, 22 were injured after a speeding, uncontrolled car entered a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Jashpur last night. The car driver has been nabbed."The driver has been taken into custody.