Music concert stopped in Kasaragod after overcrowding triggered chaos
Kasaragod: Police stopped a concert after overcrowding led to chaos and discomfort among spectators here on Sunday night, officials said.
The concert, featuring Malayalam singer Hanan Shaah, was organised as part of an expo at a ground near the private bus stand.
A large crowd gathered at the venue, leading to heavy congestion, and several people experienced physical discomfort, police officials said.
Even though there were police deployed in the area, the crowd became unmanageable by around 9 pm.
According to police, around 10 individuals were taken to a nearby hospital soon after the incident.
More police reached the venue and instructed the audience to disperse to prevent further issues.
However, when many refused to leave, the concert was called off, police said.
Police later resorted to a lathi charge to disperse a section of the crowd that insisted on remaining at the spot.
Officials at Kasaragod police station said the situation is now under control and that those hospitalised are in stable condition.
#Kerala: Stampede-like chaos at Kasaragod music event, 20 hospitalised
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 23, 2025
A music programme in Kasaragod city descended into a stampede-like situation on Sunday night, leaving around 20 people hospitalised after they reportedly fainted or experienced breathing difficulties.
The… pic.twitter.com/1eCAAryvkF
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Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
