What Happened During the Muharram Procession in Bihar's Rohtas?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One person died and two others were critically injured during a Muharram procession in Bihar.
- A Tazia structure came into contact with a high-tension wire.
- Protests erupted against the Electricity department for negligence.
- The situation remains tense with police deployed to maintain order.
- Previous similar incidents indicate a recurring safety issue.
Patna, June 27 (NationPress) A tragic event unfolded on Friday during a Muharram procession in Nimiya Tikari village, located within the jurisdiction of Bihar's Rohtas police station. This incident led to the unfortunate demise of one individual and left two others in critical condition after a Tazia structure made contact with a high-tension electricity wire.
Rohtas Superintendent of Police Raushan Kumar confirmed the events, stating that three people experienced severe electric shocks, with one succumbing to burn injuries at Sasaram Sadar Hospital. The other two victims are currently in a precarious state.
Furthermore, nearly six additional individuals suffered electric shocks but were discharged after receiving initial treatment.
In the aftermath, irate villagers obstructed the Dehri-Rohtas main road, igniting tyres and debris in protest, accusing the state’s Electricity department of gross negligence.
Local residents asserted that they had notified the authorities in advance regarding the Tazia procession, yet no measures were taken to disconnect power in the area.
Protesters are now calling for FIRs against Electricity department officials, attributing the incident to their inaction.
In response to escalating tensions, the entire Rohtas Nagar Panchayat region has been transformed into a police cantonment.
A significant police presence has been deployed to preserve law and order.
As a precautionary measure, all shops in the Rohtas market have been closed.
District authorities have yet to release an official statement concerning compensation or disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the situation remains volatile, and officials are urging residents to maintain calm as investigations are ongoing.
This type of incident is not unprecedented in Bihar.
On July 16, 2024, 14 individuals participating in a Muharram procession in Araria district fell victim to electrocution.
This incident transpired at Pipra Bijwad panchayat under Palasi block, where participants came into contact with a high-tension 33,000 KV overhead wire and suffered burn injuries following the electric shock.