Muharram Tragedy in Ratlam: 3 Killed, 9 Injured After Tazia Touches High-Tension Power Line, Negligence Alleged

A joyous religious procession turned into a devastating tragedy in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district on Friday when a tazia being carried during Muharram came in contact with a high-tension overhead power line, killing three people and leaving nine others critically injured.

The horrific incident took place in Hatnara village of Ratlam district, sending shockwaves through the entire community and reigniting concerns over electrical safety during religious processions.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

The accident occurred while a Muharram procession was passing through Hatnara village. As the tazia — or a structure attached to it — brushed against a high-voltage overhead electricity line, a powerful electric current surged through the procession, causing immediate panic among participants.

Nearly 12 people suffered severe burn injuries on the spot. All the injured were rushed immediately to Ratlam Medical College for emergency treatment. However, despite medical efforts, three people could not be saved and were declared dead by doctors.

The nine remaining injured are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and their condition is being closely monitored.

Victims Identified

The three individuals who lost their lives in the tragedy have been identified as:

  • Rashid Khan
  • Saddu Hussain
  • Arbaaz Khan

The families of the deceased are in deep shock and grief, and the local community has demanded justice and accountability from the authorities.
 

Police Launch Probe

Additional Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar Lal confirmed the incident and stated that authorities reached the site immediately after receiving information about the electrocution.

"Nearly 12 people were injured in the electrocution. Three of them have died, while treatment of the remaining injured is underway. Police reached the spot immediately after receiving information, and the matter is being investigated," ASP Lal said.

A formal investigation has been launched to examine all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of negligence on the part of the electricity department.

Locals Allege Gross Negligence by MPEB

The tragedy has sparked outrage among residents of Hatnara village, who claim the deaths were entirely avoidable.

According to local community members, the Muharram procession follows the same route through the village every single year. As part of standard safety protocol, personnel from the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board (MPEB) are typically deployed alongside the procession to temporarily disconnect the power supply whenever the tazia passes beneath the overhead high-tension line.

Residents allege that while MPEB linemen were indeed present during Friday's procession, the electricity supply was shockingly never disconnected — a lapse that they believe directly led to the fatal accident.

"The linemen were there. Everyone knew the tazia would pass under the wire. But the power was never cut. This is pure negligence and someone must be held accountable," said a visibly distressed local resident.

Dangerous Power Line Passes Through Village Center

Adding to the outrage, residents pointed out that the 11 kV high-tension wire runs at an unusually low height through the middle of the village — so low, they claim, that even buses and trucks find it difficult to pass safely underneath.

Community members have long raised concerns about the dangerous positioning of this power line and have now renewed their demand that authorities either relocate the wire or significantly raise its height to prevent any such tragedy from occurring in the future.

Administration Promises Investigation

The district administration has acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. Authorities are examining the specific circumstances that led to the electrocution, with particular focus on the allegations of negligence against electricity department officials.

It remains to be seen whether any action will be taken against those responsible for the alleged failure to disconnect the power supply during the procession.

A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented

This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the urgent need for stricter safety protocols during religious processions, especially in areas where overhead high-tension lines pass through densely populated routes.

The deaths of Rashid Khan, Saddu Hussain, and Arbaaz Khan have left their families shattered and an entire community in mourning — a painful reminder that administrative negligence can cost innocent lives.