Circus Stunt Ends in Tragedy: Man Buried Alive Suffocates

A dangerous circus stunt performed last week in a Nuh village ended in tragedy when a 27-year-old man, Deepak, suffocated after being buried alive in a sack. The performer, from Gaunchi village in Faridabad, was part of a traveling bicycle circus. His signature act, a 'live samadhi,' involved being lowered into a pit and covered with soil.

The discovery of Deepak's death was made approximately three days after his burial, when other stunt members excavated the pit for the act's finale. Police are investigating the exact timeline of the burial and whether it exceeded planned durations.

Experts highlight the extreme medical peril of such stunts, even with precautions like air passages. Dr. Tushar Tayal stated that survival depends on oxygen, ventilation, and temperature, warning that asphyxia is a significant risk.

Deepak's elder brother, who previously performed similar acts, expressed concern and hinted at possible foul play, noting that such acts are typically limited to 24 hours due to danger. The troupe reportedly belongs to the nomadic Nat community.

Authorities have stated that such stunts are illegal and a probe is underway to determine how the event was organized. A similar incident in 2017 saw a 17-year-old boy die during a burial stunt in Panipat.