Muharram-related incidents in Bihar: 3 get electric shock; youth stabbed to death

Patna, June 27 (IANS) Several incidents, including electrocution, a fatal stabbing, and clashes during Muharram processions, were reported from different parts of Bihar on Friday, prompting heightened security arrangements in several districts.

Three youths sustained severe burn injuries after coming into contact with live electric wires during a Muharram Tazia procession in Dhandhar village under the Wazirganj police station area of Gaya district.

The injured have been identified as Mohammad Asgar, Mohammad Kamaluddin, and Mohammad Umar Ali.

All three belong to Bhareti village. Mohammad Asgar is reported to be in critical condition and has been referred to a higher medical centre for specialised treatment, while the other two are undergoing treatment at a local health facility.

Following the incident, electricity supply along the route was immediately disconnected, and police officials reached the spot to restore order.

The procession, which was briefly halted, later resumed peacefully.

Station House Officer of Wazirganj Police Station, Neeraj Kumar, stated that the injured youths were receiving treatment and that no further untoward incident occurred.

Local residents, however, expressed concern over the presence of low-hanging power lines along the procession route and demanded greater precautions in the future.

In another incident, a youth identified as Md. Javed, a resident of Gopalpur village, died after being stabbed during a Muharram gathering at Bhutta Chowk under the Kalyanpur police station area in Samastipur district.

According to preliminary investigations, an altercation reportedly broke out between two individuals during an akhada performance.

The dispute allegedly continued away from the procession site, where the victim was stabbed.

Police suspect that an earlier dispute between the two individuals may have led to the incident.

Sadar DSP-II Sanjay Kumar stated that the accused has been identified and police teams are conducting raids to apprehend him.

A separate incident occurred at Karbala Maidan near Jogbani in Araria district, close to the Indo-Nepal border.

A Tazia procession arriving from the Rani area of Nepal sought to join the Indian procession.

Security personnel reportedly denied entry due to law-and-order concerns, after which tensions escalated.

Reports of stone-pelting led to panic and temporary chaos in the area.

Some shops were damaged, although authorities have not officially confirmed injuries to any individual.

Police and security agencies, including the SSB, deployed additional forces to the sensitive border area and restored normalcy.

Jogbani SHO Mahadev Kamat stated that investigations are underway and that legal action will be taken against those found responsible.

Authorities have increased security arrangements in several districts, including Gaya, Araria, Muzaffarpur, Patna, and Katihar, following reports of isolated disturbances during Muharram observances.

Police and administrative officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading or believing rumours circulating on social media.

The administration has also indicated that preventive measures, particularly regarding crowd management and electrical safety along procession routes, will be reviewed to avoid similar incidents in the future.

–IANS

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