Naigaon East’s iconic Chandika Devi Temple, nestled in the village of Juchandra, is a spiritual sanctuary that draws large crowds of devotees every day. Known for its serene environment and revered deity, the temple is built atop a hill, making it a challenge for elderly and differently-abled visitors to access the shrine. To address this, a lift system was installed to assist devotees in reaching the temple. However, this very facility turned into a source of tragedy last month when a mishap left three devotees injured, raising concerns about the temple’s safety measures.
On November 10, a group of devotees from Thane visited the temple for darshan. Among them were 46-year-old Pramod Singh, 45-year-old Sushma Singh, and 22-year-old Nitisha Singh, who chose to use the lift to ascend to the temple’s fourth level. As the lift reached the designated floor, it suddenly gave way, plummeting to the ground and leaving its occupants injured and shaken.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The injured devotees were rushed to a nearby medical facility for immediate treatment. Thankfully, their injuries were not life-threatening. However, the incident raised alarming questions about the maintenance and safety protocols of the lift system.
Pramod Singh, one of the injured devotees, alleged that negligence on the part of the lift’s management led to the accident. He claimed that the lift had not been adequately maintained or inspected for safety, making it a potential hazard for visitors. Following the incident, Singh lodged a formal complaint at Naigaon Police Station, demanding accountability for the mishap.
The Investigation Unfolds
Initially, the investigation moved at a slow pace, with authorities awaiting key documents and medical certificates from the hospital in Thane where the injured devotees were treated. After nearly a month of inquiries and evidence collection, the Naigaon Police officially registered a case against the individual responsible for managing the lift system at the temple.
The case has been filed under charges of negligence, citing the failure to ensure the lift’s proper functioning and safety. Police officials stated that the accused manager is currently untraceable, and efforts are underway to locate and question them.
“We are actively investigating the matter and seeking the responsible individual to ensure justice is served,” said a Naigaon Police spokesperson.
Safety Concerns at Religious Sites
The incident at Chandika Devi Temple has sparked a broader conversation about safety standards at places of worship, particularly those located in challenging terrains. Many temples across India are situated on hills or require steep climbs, making lifts or ropeways a necessity for the elderly and differently-abled. However, the maintenance and regular inspection of such facilities often fall short, leading to potential risks for visitors.
This mishap serves as a wake-up call for temple authorities to prioritize safety and conduct regular audits of all facilities. Devotees visiting such sites place their trust in the management, and ensuring their safety must be a top priority.
The Road Ahead
The Chandika Devi Temple is a vital spiritual landmark for the Naigaon community, and such incidents can tarnish its reputation. Following the mishap, temple authorities have assured the public that they are taking steps to prevent such accidents in the future.
Measures such as routine maintenance checks, hiring certified operators, and installing additional safety features are reportedly being considered. Meanwhile, local devotees and visitors from afar continue to visit the temple, albeit with a sense of caution.
A Call for Accountability
While the focus remains on improving safety measures, the need for accountability cannot be overlooked. The injured devotees and their families are seeking justice and assurance that no one else will have to endure a similar ordeal.
For now, the case registered against the lift manager is a step in the right direction. However, it also highlights the importance of stricter regulations and oversight at public and religious facilities to avoid such mishaps in the future.
As the investigation progresses, the community hopes for swift action and a resolution that ensures the temple remains a safe haven for all devotees.
