Man electrocuted, seven injured as Basant celebrations turn tragic

Lahore – (Web Desk) – A man was killed and seven others injured on Friday due to violations of standard operating procedures during Basant Festival 2026 in different parts of Lahore, according to 24NewsHD. Several incidents of aerial firing and the use of chemical kite string were reported, particularly in the Walled City.

Rescue 1122 officials said 25-year-old Ali Rasheed lost his life after climbing an electricity pole to retrieve a stray kite near the Sukh Nahar area, where he was electrocuted on the spot. After completing legal formalities, his body was handed over to his family.

After midnight, seven more people sustained injuries in Basant-related incidents. In Gulshan Ravi, an eight-year-old girl, Irha, was injured when a kite string cut her neck.

In the Ravi Road area, man named Saqib was injured after falling from a rooftop while flying kites.

In the Lower Mall area, 12-year-old Abdul Wahid was injured while chasing a stray kite in the street. In Gulshan Ravi, 14-year-old Salman was injured while trying to claim a kite from a tree.

In Defence Phase-5, 21-year-old Rafi Tanveer was going to his home on motorcycle when he was injured after a kite string struck his neck.

In Gulshan Ravi, 45-year-old Shabbir was injured after a kite string cut his face and nose; he was immediately shifted to a hospital.

29-year-old Qasim Ali was also injured after a stray bullet his face in Garhi Shahu area. He was immediately rushed to Civil Hospital, where he was still under treatment.

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Later, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 to prevent provocations. The security is on high alert at all entry and exit points of the City.  A complete ban is imposed on the display of weapons and aerial firing in Lahore.