Tragic Incident During Karma Puja in Bihar Claims Four Lives

Fatal Drowning During Religious Ceremony

On Wednesday, a tragic drowning incident occurred in a pond during the 'Karma Puja' celebration in Nawada district, Bihar, resulting in the deaths of three teenagers and one woman, according to police reports. The incident took place in the village of Dataroula, located in the Pakribarao police station area. Among the deceased are the daughters of Panchayat Samiti member Krishna Paswan: Anamika Kumari, aged 12, and Pooja Kumari, aged 18.

Authorities revealed that Jyoti Devi, the 28-year-old wife of Shambhu Paswan, and their 11-year-old daughter, Khushboo Kumari, also lost their lives. Additionally, Priyanka Kumari, the daughter of Rajendra Paswan, was referred to Nawada for medical treatment.

Nishu Malik, the police deputy superintendent, informed that the tragedy unfolded while the group was bathing in the pond as part of the religious rituals. She stated, "The inability to gauge the depth of the water led to all of them drowning. Upon receiving news of the incident, local police and district administration teams rushed to the scene and initiated a rescue operation with the help of divers. Shortly after, all bodies were retrieved and sent for post-mortem examination."

The news of the accident cast a pall of grief over the entire village, with family members in deep mourning. The district administration has confirmed that all necessary legal and administrative procedures are being followed. 'Karma Puja' is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jharkhand, Bihar, and neighboring states, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the sacred bond between siblings.