Cop dies as Holi trunk falls on him in Bicholim

Panaji: An Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) head constable, Pranav Mishal, 42, attached to the Ribandar camp, died after a tree trunk, which is worshipped as part of Holi in Goa, fell on him in Mencurem village in Bicholim taluka on Monday night.

Police said that the villagers, as per tradition on a full moon night, gathered to install the tree trunk, and it suddenly slipped and fell on Mishal, who joined the IRBn in 2006. He was immediately shifted to North Goa district hospital, Mapusa, but since his condition wasn’t stable, he was moved to GMC. Police said that he died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment. Initially, Bicholim police registered the case as an accident, and later, as an unnatural death.

Police said that doctors at GMC conducted a post-mortem examination and the body was handed over to the family for final rites.

As per the tradition, villagers select a tall and straight trunk, which is then cut. The next day, it is taken to the village to the folk beats of the dhol. Later, the villagers, using ropes, sticks, and poles, erect the tree trunk in front of the main temple of the village. The tree trunk is then worshipped.