He was undertaking a padayatra from Mysuru to M.M. Hills when the accident took place

Kollegal: A devotee from Mysuru, who was undertaking a padayatra from Mysuru to Male Mahadeshwara Hills (M.M. Hills) on account of Shivarathri festival, was killed when a bike hit a group of devotees undertaking the padayatra near Madhuvanahalli village in the taluk.

The deceased has been identified as Swamy (37), a resident of Rammanahalli village in Mysuru while the injured are Rammanahalli Chikkamadu, Mari Gopali, Tata Birla and Prajwal, who have been admitted to a hospital.

It is learnt that hundreds of devotees had vowed to undertake padayatra from Rammanahalli to M.M. Hills on account of Shivarathri festival and had embarked on their journey on foot via Kallur, Mullur route and were walking towards M.M. Hills on the National Highway near Madhuvanahalli. Meanwhile, the bike riders, who were proceeding from Bengaluru to Martalli, rammed into the group of devotees, resulting in Swamy being killed on the spot and two devotees and bike riders getting injured.

Dy.SP Dharmendra, Circle Inspector Shivamadaiah, Sub-Inspector Supreeth and staff, who reached the spot, conducted an inspection. Kollegal Rural Police, who have registered a case in this regard, are investigating.