Lalitpur: A routine inspection tour turned perilous for Lalitpur officials when a massive bee attack left CDO Kamlakant Pandey unconscious in a forested area near Devgarh. The incident occurred on May 25 when Pandey, along with ADM Rajesh Shrivastav and other officials, was surveying potential tourism sites including ancient Buddhist caves.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the swarm attacked as officials approached cave structures, Pandey's gunner Chandrapal Singh attempted shielding him but also collapsed. ADM Ankur Shrivastav led the rescue operation, locating the unconscious CDO face-down in soil.
Villagers transported Pandey 1 km via cot to a waiting tractor, which transferred him to an ambulance. Medical reports indicate ADM Shrivastav sustained 500 stings, including bees lodged in his ear canal, requiring specialized treatment at Jhansi Medical College.
Forest Department officials speculate strong perfume fragrances may have provoked the Africanized honey bees known to inhabit the region. The area has witnessed increased bee activity following recent rains.
Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav referenced the incident to critique BJP's governance, ironically thanking SP-era ambulance services for the rescue while questioning current administration's field inspection protocols.
