In a heart-wrenching incident on April 15, 2025, two young lives were lost, and eight others were critically injured in Bhadrak district, Odisha, during a festive procession in Badahatuari village under the Tihidi block.
The tragedy unfolded during a Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti celebration when a DJ-equipped procession came into contact with an 11 kV high-tension power line, leading to the electrocution of Sarata Mahalik (27) from Arasa village and Muna Mahalik (20) from Hatuari village. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Bhadrak and Cuttack, where they are receiving treatment.
According to locals, the procession had obtained prior permission from the Nandapur electricity section of Tata Power, the company responsible for power distribution in the region. The power supply to the procession route was reportedly disconnected to ensure safety. However, confusion and allegations have arisen as to why the 11 kV line, particularly at the Kundibag structure under Bhadrak’s electricity section 3, remained live. Villagers claim that despite the blackout assurance, the live wire caused the fatal accident, raising serious questions about the Discom’s oversight.
The community has pointed fingers at both Tata Power and the local police administration for lapses. Residents assert that the procession organizers had adhered to protocols by securing approval from the electricity department. Yet, the police claim no permission was sought from them for the event, and it remains unclear whether the use of a DJ system was authorised. This discrepancy has fueled speculation about administrative negligence. If the police’s claim is accurate, why was an unauthorised procession allowed to proceed unchecked? Some locals even allege political interference may have prevented timely intervention by law enforcement.
The incident has sparked a broader debate: Is this a case of Tata Power’s irresponsibility or a failure of the local administration? The high-tension line at Kundibag was reportedly not at an adequate height, a critical oversight that contributed to the tragedy.
Villagers argue that Tata Power’s partial disconnection of the power supply—leaving certain sections live—reflects gross negligence. Meanwhile, the absence of police oversight during the event has led to accusations of systemic failure.
When contacted, Bhadrak Tata Power’s Executive Engineer, Shrikant Kumar Padhi, declined to comment, sidestepping questions about the company’s role.
The Additional SP of Bhadrak assured that an investigation is underway and that action will be taken against those found responsible. However, for the grieving families and the shocked community, these promises offer little solace.
The procession, which began at Badahatuary village and was headed toward the Maa Kantimangala temple, was meant to be a joyous celebration. Instead, it has left the village in mourning and ignited outrage over preventable safety failures.
As investigations proceed, the incident highlights the critical need for more stringent safety protocols during public events and improved collaboration between power companies and local authorities to avert such tragedies in the future.
