Two men, including a police officer, suffered severe eye injuries after being exposed to intense laser beams during the Ganesh arrival procession in Uchgaon.
Aditya Bodke, 32, of Pratibhanagar, experienced a sudden loss of vision around 7:30 p.m. Saturday as a result of the laser burst. His right eye showed significant damage, including bleeding in the retina, leading to blurred vision. Bodke is currently undergoing treatment at Hoshing’s Eye Hospital.
During the same procession, Constable Yuvraj Patil, stationed at Tembalaiwadi, also sustained an eye injury from the lasers. His right eye is red and swollen, causing vision impairment. Patil is receiving treatment at the same facility.
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The Kolhapur District Ophthalmologists' Association, led by President Chetan Kharkande and Secretary Mandar Joglekar, met with District Collector Amol Yedge and Police Chief Mahendra Pandit on August 27 to demand a ban on the use of laser rays during Ganeshotsav. They are seeking stricter regulations and accountability for such incidents.
Social activists have called for immediate action against the Ganesh mandals using DJs and lasers, urging the authorities to recover the costs of eye treatments from the responsible parties. The Rajarampuri police have been informed, and a report will be submitted to senior officials.