On 2 October 2022, a fire occurred at a Durga Puja pandal (temporary structure for worship) in Narthuwa village in Bhadohi district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Seventeen people died[1][2] and at least 75 people were injured in the incident. The investigation revealed that the decorative fiber polythene sheets had caught fire due to heat caused by halogen lights. The incident occurred around 9:30 PM (IST), during the celebration of Saptami or the seventh day of Navaratri, an annual Hindu festival observed in honour of the Hindu goddess Durga. Around 150 to 300 people or more were present at the venue when the incident took place.[3][4]
| Date | 2 October 2022 |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:30 p.m. IST |
| Venue | a Durga Puja Pandal in Narthuwa village |
| Location | Bhadohi district, Uttar Pradesh |
| Cause | halogen light overheated causing fire |
| Deaths | 17[1][2] |
| Non-fatal injuries | 75 |
Investigation
editOn October 4, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to investigate the incident.[5]
As per the police investigation, a fire broke out when a halogen light overheated, generating an electric wire to catch fire.[6] An FIR was registered against the concerned puja committee, Bal Ekta Club Durga Puja Samiti and organizers, who were found negligent in taking the required safety measures while organizing the event.[5][7][8]
Fundraising
editFinancial help is being given to the victims admitted to the hospitals. On an appeal of the District Magistrate of Bhadohi district, public representatives, officers, employees and individuals provided financial aid of more than ₹10 lakh rupees through Red Cross Society. Bhadohi MLA Zahid Beg contributed five lakhs from the MLA fund. On the other hand, MLA from Aurai Dinanath Bhaskar has given ₹ 1 lakh from his salary.[9]
As of October 13, 2022, the district administration of Bhadohi collected donations of over ₹30 Lakh rupees through fundraising.[10]
Response
editThe Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh state Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences over the loss of life.[11] DM Bhadohi Gaurang Rathi and Superintendent of Police Dr. Anil Kumar expressed condolences to the deceased.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b Kant, Utpal (October 29, 2022). "दुर्गा पूजा पंडाल अग्निकांड में 17वीं मौत, 70 वर्षीय महिला ने तोड़ा दम, अब भी 28 भर्ती" (in Hindi). Amar Ujala.
- ^ a b "Death toll in Durga puja fire tragedy in U.P.'s Bhadohi rises to 16". Hindustan Times. October 16, 2022.
- ^ "Death toll in Durga Puja pandal fire in UP's Bhadohi climbs to 14". The Print. October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Uttar Pradesh: Bhadohi Durga Puja pandal fire death count rises to nine". New Indian Express. October 7, 2022.
- ^ a b "Bhadohi pandal fire toll rises to 5, SIT to probe incident". Daily Pioneer. October 4, 2022.
- ^ "Death toll rises to 10 in Bhadohi fire incident". Hindustan Times. October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Toll in Bhadohi puja pandal fire accident mounts to six, 10 critical". The Times of India. October 5, 2022.
- ^ "Bhadohi fire: Case registered against organiser". ANI News. October 3, 2022.
- ^ "औराई अग्निकांड: दो ने तोड़ा दम, मृतकों की संख्या 12 पहुंची" (in Hindi). Amar Ujala. October 9, 2022.
- ^ Singh, Binay (October 13, 2022). "Bhadohi pandal fire: 2 more dead, toll 14". The Times of India.
- ^ "Five killed in fire at puja venue in India". The Financial Express (Bangladesh). October 3, 2022.
- ^ "Bhadohi: DM-SP expressed condolences after reaching the house of fire victims". Suspense Crime. October 8, 2022.