In a tragic incident during the Kendwa-Bahuda Yatra, two participants were killed and one injured due to contact with a live electric wire; the chariot was entirely made of iron.
JAMSHEDPUR – A tragic accident occurred during the Bahuda Yatra in Kendua village, under Baria police station, Jhumpura block in Odisha state, adjacent to Champua in Jharkhand.
This year, the Kendua Bahuda Yatra was organized by the Jhumpura Block Driver Association of the Driver Maha Sangh.
Near the location of Lord’s chariot, the association had arranged for the entertainment of devotees.
Members of the driver’s union, despite being advised against, were maneuvering the chariot back when it got entangled with an 11 KV electric wire.
Three members of the association were electrocuted as the chariot was entirely made of iron.
Local people immediately transferred the injured to Jhumpura Health Center for treatment.
However, two individuals, identified as Yugal Barik (40) from Bhubanpashi village and Barun Giri (42) from Kendua village, succumbed to their injuries at Jhumpura Hospital.
The third individual, seriously injured and identified as Shankar San Pradhan (42) from Nahabeda village, has been moved to the District Head Hospital for better care.
The incident has caused a wave of sorrow across Kendua village and chaos in the Bahuda Yatra.
Although arrangements were made by the Baria police to maintain peace during the procession, locals discuss the absence of any police officers on duty.
In a separate but related incident, Phulmani Barik (65), who had come to witness the Bahuda Yatra, got run over by the ambulance carrying the electrocuted victims.
Her leg was injured severely, and she has been moved to Keonjhar District Main Hospital due to critical condition.
