Patna: Eleven years old Nezami Amidst the orchestra, she had left the house to watch her neighbor’s procession when the groom’s elder brother opened fire in celebration. A bullet hit the girl in the chest and she died on the spot. The incident took place in a village in the town East Champaran District On 15 February.
This is not an isolated incident in the state. Social scientists say that celebratory firing during wedding ceremonies has led to the loss of many lives because they are apparently associated with status symbols in “semi-feudal” Bihar.
Nevertheless, what has proved to be a catalyst is “Nathuniya Pe Goli Mare Saiyan Hamar Ho…”, a popular Bhojpuri song that has become a huge hit in rural areas. In fact, no wedding is complete without this number and playing it has meant firing indiscriminately in the air, which has killed or at least injured many on several occasions, say wedding organisers.
In November last year, a 36-year-old man, said to be the groom’s friend, was shot dead during Harsh firing during a wedding reception party in Begusarai district. Police have said that the victim was standing on the dais to pose for photos with the newly married couple when he was shot and killed.
In June last year, again during a wedding ceremony in Araria district, the bride’s sister-in-law (sister-in-law) was killed in Harsh firing, while six others, including the bride, were injured. Later the injured were admitted to Purnia Hospital for treatment.
In April 2022, three people, including the groom, were seriously injured in Harsh firing during a Tilak ceremony in Bhojpur district, while the bride’s sister-in-law was killed during a wedding ceremony in Arwal district in February. Villagers and police officials say that firing during the celebrations has become a matter of serious concern across the state.
The state’s Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) said, “We are taking action in the matter. One of them includes cancellation of arms license.” JS Gangwar Said. Stating that the police have already issued guidelines to prevent such incidents, Gangwar said, “Weapons are for your safety and not for celebration and enjoyment.”
This is not an isolated incident in the state. Social scientists say that celebratory firing during wedding ceremonies has led to the loss of many lives because they are apparently associated with status symbols in “semi-feudal” Bihar.
Nevertheless, what has proved to be a catalyst is “Nathuniya Pe Goli Mare Saiyan Hamar Ho…”, a popular Bhojpuri song that has become a huge hit in rural areas. In fact, no wedding is complete without this number and playing it has meant firing indiscriminately in the air, which has killed or at least injured many on several occasions, say wedding organisers.
In November last year, a 36-year-old man, said to be the groom’s friend, was shot dead during Harsh firing during a wedding reception party in Begusarai district. Police have said that the victim was standing on the dais to pose for photos with the newly married couple when he was shot and killed.
In June last year, again during a wedding ceremony in Araria district, the bride’s sister-in-law (sister-in-law) was killed in Harsh firing, while six others, including the bride, were injured. Later the injured were admitted to Purnia Hospital for treatment.
In April 2022, three people, including the groom, were seriously injured in Harsh firing during a Tilak ceremony in Bhojpur district, while the bride’s sister-in-law was killed during a wedding ceremony in Arwal district in February. Villagers and police officials say that firing during the celebrations has become a matter of serious concern across the state.
The state’s Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) said, “We are taking action in the matter. One of them includes cancellation of arms license.” JS Gangwar Said. Stating that the police have already issued guidelines to prevent such incidents, Gangwar said, “Weapons are for your safety and not for celebration and enjoyment.”
