Bagalkot, May 17: What was supposed to be a beautiful beginning to a new life turned into an unimaginable tragedy in Karnataka's Bagalkot on Saturday (May 17). A young couple, surrounded by friends and family, had just gotten married and were dreaming of a happy future together. But fate had other cruel plans.
The groom died allegedly due to heart attack only 15 minutes after tying the "Mangalsutra" (the sacred thread symbolising marriage) around the bride's neck. The heartbreaking incident reportedly occurred in Jamkhandi which is a town in Bagalkot district in Karnataka.
The groom who has been identified as Praveen Kurne (26), who was a resident of Kumbarehalli village, had just married a young woman from Parthanahalli village in Athani taluk of Belagavi district. The bride was also his maternal uncle’s daughter. The wedding took place on Saturday (May 17) at the Nandikeshwar Kalyana Mantapa, a marriage hall in Jamkhandi.
Initially, everything was filled with joy and celebration. Relatives and guests had gathered in large numbers to bless the newlywed couple. After the groom tied the mangalsutra, the bride and groom were standing on stage for the customary “Aartakshate” (a ritual where people bless the couple with rice and turmeric).
Only two or three photos had been clicked when suddenly, Praveen began to tremble and complained of chest pain. He collapsed on the stage. Shocked and panicked, his family rushed him to a nearby hospital but it was too late. The doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The wedding atmosphere turned into one of deep sorrow. Within just 15 minutes of being married, the bride became a widow. Guests who had come to bless the couple now stood in silence and tears. The festive hall which had been decorated for celebration turned somber. The catering, dishes and entire setup were removed immediately as the marriage was now overshadowed by death.
Praveen was the elder son of Shreeshail Kurne, who is the State Secretary of the Karnataka Cycling Association. Praveen worked in a private bank and had recently been living in Jamkhandi city.
The family had organised a grand feast for all the wedding guests and people had come from far and wide to witness and bless the couple. Instead, they were now helping prepare for Praveen's funeral.
Everyone present was left stunned and heartbroken. “This should never happen to anyone. We came to wish the couple a long, happy life together, but we’re now forced to take part in a funeral,” said one teary-eyed guest.
The tragedy has left the entire family, especially the bride, in deep emotional shock. What should have been the happiest day of their lives turned into a day of unbearable sorrow.
