Mourning in Bihar on Magh Purnima! Many devotees drowned in Ganga during the holy bath, many houses were also destroyed in road accidents:

News India Live, Digital Desk: While lakhs of people were taking a dip of devotion on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima in Bihar, the sad news coming from different parts of the state turned the enthusiasm of the festival into sadness. On Sunday, many people lost their lives due to drowning during Ganga bath and road accidents involving devotees going for bath. Deaths have been reported from many districts including Begusarai, Patna and Munger, due to which there is panic in the administration and police departments.

Major accident during bathing in Ganga: Many drowned in Begusarai and Patna

Bathing in the Ganges on Magh Purnima has special significance, but the lack of adequate security arrangements and carelessness of the devotees proved costly.

Begusarai: Two teenagers died due to drowning after they went into deep water while bathing at Simaria Ghat. The bodies were taken out with the help of divers.

Patna: There were also reports of drowning at Digha and Bhadra Ghat in the capital. According to eyewitnesses, due to large crowd going beyond the barricading led to accidents.

Munger and Lakhisarai: Here too many people are said to be missing due to drowning while bathing, SDRF teams are busy searching for them.

Road accidents snatch away happiness: havoc caused by uncontrolled vehicles

The vehicles of devotees going to bathe in the Ganga also became victims of the accident. Due to fog and high speed, tragic accidents took place on different national highways of Bihar:

Siwan-Chhapra route: An auto loaded with devotees was hit by a speeding truck, in which three people died on the spot.

Samastipur: The bike of the devotees returning after taking bath went out of control and collided with a tree, in which a young man died.

[Image showing rescue operations by SDRF at Ganga Ghat in Bihar]

Questions raised on the functioning of the administration

Despite the crowd of lakhs gathered at many ghats SDRF and divers The deployment appeared missing. Local people allege that the dangerous ghats were not marked nor were constant warnings given through loudspeakers. Lack of police patrolling and overloading are being said to be the main reasons behind road accidents.

Chief Minister expressed grief, announced compensation

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed deep sorrow over these accidents. He has directed the district administration to immediately provide ex-gratia (compensation) amount to the families of the deceased and provide proper treatment to the injured. The government has said that the security protocols will be further tightened during such fairs and festivals in future.

Caution is the only protection: Important advice for devotees

Always take bath only at marked and safe ghats.

Do not go ahead of the barricading (red flag) at all.

Control the speed of vehicles during travel and avoid overloading.

In case of any emergency, immediately inform the police force deployed at the ghat.