The headman of Viruthampattu village panchayat near Katpadi, Vellore, is among 27 people booked by Vellore North police after seven were injured when a 60-foot temple chariot toppled during the annual Mayana Kollai festival on Monday night. The incident took place on the banks of the Palar River near the new bus terminus off NH 48. Police said the village headman K. Sridhar, 52, helped organise the festival. According to rules, temple chariots should not be taller than 12 feet. However, this time chariots from Virudhambattu, Kazhinjur, and Mottur were around 60 feet tall, which led to the collapse. Vellore SP N.U. Sivaraman said, "Strict action will be taken against those who violate laws and traffic rules. Cases have been registered against those responsible for the incident." Following a complaint by D. Kasi, the Viruthampattu village administrative officer, cases were filed against 27 persons. They are charged under Section 125 (a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for rash or negligent acts that endanger human safety. The punishment includes up to three months imprisonment, a fine of ₹2,500, or both, even if no actual harm occurs. The Mayana Kollai festival is a major event where deities from 10 villages are carried on temple chariots in a procession to the Palar riverbed for rituals and offerings. At around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, one chariot tilted and collapsed, injuring seven people. They were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore. Officials including V.R. Subbulaxmi and SP Sivaraman inspected the site and met the injured at the hospital. An inquiry into the incident has been ordered.