BSF officer dies of suspected heatstroke during temple car festival in Orathanadu

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force (BSF), who was on leave, collapsed and died of suspected heatstroke during the temple car festival at the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Orathanadu of Thanjavur district on Saturday.

The victim, K.S. Ramesh, 57, a native of Yanaikkal Street in Orathanadu, was an ASI in the 84th Battalion of the BSF in Gujarat. He was on leave and was on a visit to his hometown.

Ramesh was taking part in the Vaikasi Visakam car festival at the Visalakshiamman Sametha Kasi Viswanathar Temple. While helping guide the chariot through Komutti Street, he suddenly collapsed.

Onlookers rushed him to the Orathanadu Government Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. Medical personnel suspect that extreme heat may have caused a heatstroke, leading to his death.

The Orathanadu police have registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem examination. An investigation is under way.

Ramesh is survived by his wife Jayamala, son Akash, and daughter Aarthi.

Published - June 08, 2025 09:31 pm IST