What Happened During the Muharram Procession in Jharkhand That Led to a Fatality?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One individual died and four others were injured during a Muharram procession in Giridih.
- The incident occurred when a Tazia touched a high-voltage wire.
- Local administration responded swiftly to assist the injured.
- This is part of a troubling trend of similar incidents during religious gatherings.
- Safety guidelines regarding the height of Tazias have been issued but are often ignored.
Giridih (Jharkhand), July 6 (NationPress) Tragically, one individual lost their life and four others sustained injuries when a Tazia came into contact with an 11,000-volt overhead electric wire during a Muharram procession in the Giridih district of Jharkhand on Sunday, as reported by officials.
The incident took place in the village of Chakosingha, falling under the Thodthambha outpost jurisdiction.
As participants carried a large Tazia on their shoulders as part of the customary procession, it inadvertently grazed the high-voltage wire, resulting in a severe electric shock.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that five to six individuals collapsed on the spot, suffering from the shock. One person died instantly, while the conditions of two others remain critical. All injured parties have been transported to the Giridih District Hospital for medical attention.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ramniwas Yadav confirmed the incident, stating that the local administration acted swiftly to provide immediate support and healthcare.
This unfortunate event instigated panic and disorder during the procession, casting a shadow of mourning over the entire village.
This is not the first occurrence of its kind in the district. Earlier in 2023, a similar incident in the Chakmanjo village under Jamua police station claimed a young life and left two others injured during Muharram.
In a separate incident in Petarwar, Bokaro district, four people were electrocuted and more than ten individuals suffered severe burns after a Tazia contacted a high-voltage line.
In light of these recurring incidents, the Jharkhand State Electricity Supply Corporation (JSEB) recently issued guidelines regarding the safe height of flags, Tazias, and tableaux during religious processions, following directives from the High Court. However, numerous processions across the state continue to violate these regulations by carrying excessively tall Tazias.