Jharkhand: Muharram Preparations Turn Tragic As Four Electrocuted To Death In Bokaro

Four people were killed and 10 others injured on Saturday Morning after they came in contact with a high-tension wire while preparing for a Muharram procession in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, police said.

The incident occurred at Khetko village under the Petarwar Police Station limits, around 80 km from the state capital Ranchi, when their religious flag, made of iron, came in contact with a live wire, Bokaro Superintendent of Police Priyadarshi Alok said. "The incident occurred around 6 am on Saturday while they were preparing for a Muharram procession. They were carrying a religious flag and its pole was made of iron. It somehow came in contact with a high-tension electric wire of 11,000 volts,'' the SP told PTI.

All the injured people were taken to a nearby hospital, he said. Eight of them were referred to the Bokaro General Hospital where four succumbed to their injuries and the condition of three were stated to be critical, the officer added.

In view of Muharram, District Collector (DC) Kuldeep Chaudhary issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the processions, particularly in sensitive localities. The DC emphasized strict adherence to the prescribed routes and timings of the processions, which will be diligently recorded through video footage.

To bolster security measures, the authorities will employ CCTV cameras and drone cameras for comprehensive monitoring during the events. Special Duty Officers (SDOs) have been assigned the task of identifying potential troublemakers and taking appropriate actions against them to maintain order and harmony.

Various control rooms, including the district control room, sub-division control room, and temporary mini control room, will be actively operational to address any contingencies promptly.

In an effort to curb the spread of unverified information and rumors, the DC emphasized the monitoring of social media at both district and local levels, warning of severe consequences for those found spreading false information on WhatsApp groups.

To ensure peaceful and orderly processions, authorities have restricted the use of DJ music to a sound level below 60 decibels and have urged participants to avoid any provocative songs. Flag marches in sensitive areas will be conducted by Block Development Officers (BDOs), Circle Officers (COs), and Station House Officers (SHOs) to instill a sense of security and reassurance.