A Sankranti celebration ended in tragedy in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh after two software engineers lost their lives following a dangerous drinking competition, triggering shock and concern across the region.
The incident took place at Annamayya village, where six friends had gathered for a festive drinking party. During the gathering, Manikumar, 34, and Pushparaj, 26, allegedly entered into a bet to consume alcohol in large quantities. Between 3 pm and 7.30 pm, both reportedly consumed nearly 19 beers each, leading to severe dehydration and sudden collapse.
Friends immediately rushed them to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared Manikumar dead on arrival, while Pushparaj died later during treatment.
Manikumar, a native of Bandhavadipalli, was working as a software engineer in Chennai. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Pushparaj was unmarried.
Based on complaints lodged by the families, police registered a case and began an investigation. Post-mortem reports confirmed that excessive consumption of alcohol was the cause of death in both cases.
The remaining four friends who attended the party are said to be in good health. The incident also sparked political controversy after the YSR Congress Party alleged that the deaths were caused by consumption of illicit liquor. However, Excise Superintendent Madhusudhan clarified that investigations found no defects in the liquor consumed, ruling out spurious alcohol. Police said further inquiry is underway to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
