WB: 1 dead as bull runs amok during immersion rally
Times of India | 9 October 2022
MALDA: One person was killed and several were injured when a bull ran riot during an immersion carnival in Raiganj on Friday night. Two people are undergoing treatment at Raiganj Medical College and Hospital. While the district administration is looking into the matter, animal lovers have cried foul over the episode.
North Dinajpur had arranged an immersion carnival in which 14 puja committees participated. A huge crowd had gathered to see the procession that was accompanied by loud music and general cheer.
One club, Anushilani, had three bullock carts tow-ing the idols. While moving towards Kharmuja ghat, one of the bulls jumped out of the yoke and charged towards the crowd. The animal hit more than 20 people, as others began to run leading to a stampede-like situation.
The bull was brought under control after some time. The other bull also came out of the yoke, but did not run.
Of the 10 injured, who were taken to Raiganj Medical College and Hospital, seven were released after primary treatment while three were admitted. Sadhan Karmakar (62) succumbed to his injuries late on Friday. Karmakar was the president of Bharat Sebak Samaj - another organisation which took part in the carnival.
District magistrate Arvind Meena visited the hospital with the SP. "The administration took care of the wounded immediately. We have to find out whether the organisers had permission to include bulls in the procession," Meena said.
Animal lover Goutam Tantia, however, said, "Such bulls are used to tow carts in peaceful rural areas. The loud noise and huge crowd made them react in such a way."
Trinamool district president Kanailal Agarwal said, "This was an unfortunate incident. We'll send the report to the state so the deceased's family gets compensation."