Senior Cricket Umpire Succumbs to Bee Attack During Kanpur Match
A tragic incident unfolded at the Sapru cricket ground in Shuklaganj, Unnao, on Wednesday when a senior umpire from the Kanpur Cricket Association (KCA) panel, Manik Gupta, died after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a match. The 65-year-old umpire was officiating a KDMA league match between YMCC and Paramount when the sudden bee attack occurred, causing severe injuries to multiple players and umpires on the field.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to reports, the swarm of bees targeted the umpires and players, with Gupta and fellow umpire Jagdish Sharma, both dressed in white clothing, being particularly affected. The bees reportedly swarmed around them for approximately 10 minutes, leading to multiple stings. Gupta was immediately rushed to two private hospitals in Shuklaganj, Unnao, for emergency treatment.
When his condition did not improve, he was transferred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital (LLR) and subsequently to the Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology in Kanpur. Despite all medical efforts, doctors at the cardiology institute declared him dead. Gupta, a resident of Pheelkhana, had been an integral part of the KCA umpiring panel for three decades, making his loss particularly poignant for the local cricket community.
Reaction from Cricket Authorities
KCA chairman Sanjay Kapoor expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as "a tragic event". In a statement, Kapoor said, "The senior umpire of KCA was dedicated to the game. The KCA family shares every sorrow and stands with the bereaved family. All possible help will be provided to his family." The association has pledged full support to Gupta's family during this difficult time.
Gupta's last rites are scheduled to be performed on Thursday, as the cricket fraternity mourns the loss of a respected official. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during matches, especially in outdoor venues where such natural hazards can occur unexpectedly.
Key Points of the Incident:
- Manik Gupta, 65, was a senior umpire with the Kanpur Cricket Association.
- The bee attack happened during a KDMA league match at Sapru ground in Shuklaganj, Unnao.
- Multiple players and umpires were injured in the attack.
- Gupta was taken to multiple hospitals but could not be saved.
- He had served on the KCA umpiring panel for 30 years.
