KANPUR, India: In a tragic and bizarre incident, a 65-year-old cricket umpire died after a massive swarm of bees attacked players and officials during a junior league match at the Rahul Sapru ground in Shuklaganj, Unnao. At least six others were injured in the attack.
Manik Gupta, a long-standing member of the Kanpur Cricket Association’s umpiring panel and a familiar face in the Kanpur cricket circuit for nearly three decades, had just finished officiating an under-13 match and was waiting near an adjacent field when the bees descended upon the ground, stinging players and officials indiscriminately.
Chaos on the field
The incident occurred during a KDMA league match between YMCC and Paramount at the Sapru Stadium on Wednesday morning.
According to witnesses, the first signs of trouble emerged around 7:00 am when children began arriving at the ground with their kits.
Some players were stung at that time, but the situation escalated dramatically by 8:30 am.
“A huge swarm of bees attacked everyone on the ground. There was panic everywhere as players and officials tried to run for cover,” said an eyewitness.
Gupta’s final moments
After completing his officiating duties, Gupta had gone to meet a fellow umpire during a drinks break when the swarm multiplied and attacked.
As he attempted to escape, the veteran umpire lost his balance and fell. For nearly 10 minutes, over 50 bees reportedly attacked him relentlessly before he could be rescued.
By then, he had already lost consciousness due to his deteriorating condition.
Overall, up to 50 people were stung in the attack, with at least 10 requiring immediate medical attention at a private nursing home in Kanpur.
Denied treatment, referred repeatedly
Gupta was first rushed to a private hospital in Shuklaganj for treatment but was later referred to Hallet Hospital.
Family members and Kanpur Cricket Association officials alleged that two other hospitals refused to admit him due to his critical condition.
As arrangements were being made for his transfer to LLR Hospital in Kanpur, Gupta stopped breathing midway.
Doctors at LLR Hospital declared him dead upon arrival. The family declined to consent to a post-mortem examination.
Life dedicated to Cricket
Gupta’s sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the local cricketing community.
Having been associated with the Kanpur Cricket Association for nearly three decades, he was respected and admired by players and colleagues alike.
“He was not just an umpire; he was a mentor to many young cricketers. His dedication to the sport was unparalleled,” said a KCA official.
Questions remain
The exact cause of the bee attack remains unknown, leaving local authorities and the cricketing community searching for answers.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at sporting venues, particularly those located in areas prone to such natural hazards.
As investigations continue, the cricketing fraternity in Kanpur and Unnao mourns the loss of a man who spent his life serving the sport he loved, only to meet a tragic end on the very ground where he had stood countless times with a white coat and a steady decision.
