C. Harshavardhan (19), the victim
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A 19-year-old college student who was stuck in the temple car of Tiruchengode Arthanareeswarar temple died on Sunday (May 31, 2026).

The Vaikasi Visakam Ther festival (car festival) began on May 22 at the Arthanareeswarar temple in Tiruchengode. On Sunday afternoon, the new temple car moved in procession in car street. When the temple car took a sharp left turn near the building where the temple car is usually stationed, two young men who were closer to the back wheel got stuck in the wheel, leaving them pinned against the building wall.

The temple car was then stopped immediately and the duo was rescued and rushed to the hospital. The duo was identified as C. Harshavardhan (19), a resident of Kootapalli in Tiruchengode and a first-year engineering student at a private college in Tiruchengode. The other person is identified as Sashdikan (19). 

On the way to Salem Government Hospital, Harshavardhan succumbed to injuries and Sashdikan, who sustained fractures to his legs and hip, is getting treatment at a private hospital in Coimbatore. The Tiruchengode police are investigating further.

On information, Tamil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraj and Commercial Taxes Minister Logesh Tamilselvan rushed to Salem Government Hospital and consoled the bereaved family and relatives. 

Published – May 31, 2026 04:44 pm IST