Six hospitalised after heavy rush at rapper Vedan’s concert in Kerala’s Kasaragod

A heavy rush of people at rapper Vedan’s concert during the Pallikara Beach Festival in Kasaragod district of Kerala on Monday night (December 29, 2025) led to chaos at the venue, with six persons hospitalised after experiencing breathing difficulties.

The police said the crowd swelled unexpectedly late in the night during the concert, overwhelming security arrangements. The six were admitted to private hospitals in Pallikara and Uduma and were discharged after preliminary medical examinations, according to the District Police Chief.

Youth hit by train

In a separate incident near the festival area, a 20-year-old man, Sivananda of Poinachi, was found dead after being hit by a train while walking along the railway track adjacent to the beach. The police said preliminary findings suggest the death was accidental. A case has been registered and an investigation is under way.

Despite efforts by security personnel, the surge of attendees could not be brought under control. Several children went missing amid the rush but were later traced and reunited with their relatives with police assistance.

Authorities decided to stop the music programme after about an hour in view of the tense situation, bringing an abrupt end to what had begun as a festive evening in the Pallikara beach.