In a devastating accident that has plunged a quiet village into mourning, three young men were electrocuted on Sunday evening while erecting a stage for the vibrant Danda Nach – a traditional stick dance dedicated to Goddess Kali – in Patla village under Balimi police station in the Anugul-Dhenkanal region.
The victims were identified as Sudhakar Sahu (32) and Laxmidhar Sahu (24) from Patla village, and Milan Mahalik (34) from Bid village under Motanga police station. A fourth man, Prafulla Sahu (50), also from Patla, sustained severe burns on his hands and legs and is battling for his life at Anugul District Headquarters Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, the group was lifting a metal angle to build the stage when it accidentally touched a live 11 kV overhead power line. The powerful current instantly threw four men to the ground. Fellow dancers rushed them to the hospital in an ambulance, but doctors declared Sudhakar, Laxmidhar and Milan dead on arrival. Prafulla remains in critical condition.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the festive atmosphere. Danda Nach is a much-loved folk tradition in the region, drawing entire villages together in colourful celebration. Instead of joy, Patla village woke up to the sound of wailing families and stunned neighbours.
Local police have reached the spot and launched a detailed investigation. Officers are examining whether safety norms were followed while working near high-tension wires.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk during enthusiastic community preparations, especially when live electricity lines run close to makeshift stages. As the village mourns its lost sons, questions are being raised about basic safety awareness during cultural events.
