Laaton Ke Bhoot...': Yogi Adityanath on Jaunpur Muharram Tazia deaths due to electrocution

Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh | July 19, 2025 — In a strongly worded statement following a tragic incident in Jaunpur during Muharram processions, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lashed out at district authorities and power officials after five people were electrocuted and over 50 injured while carrying a Tazia that came in contact with a high-voltage wire.

Adityanath, known for his blunt style, said, “Laaton ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante” (Some people only understand through punishment), signaling strict action against those found guilty of negligence. His statement came hours after he ordered a high-level inquiry and sought detailed reports from the local administration.

Tragedy Strikes During Muharram Observance

The unfortunate incident occurred late Friday evening in the Sadar area of Jaunpur, when a large crowd gathered to participate in the traditional Muharram Tazia procession. Eyewitnesses reported that one of the tallest Tazias brushed against an overhead high-tension electric wire, leading to an electric arc and severe electrocution.

Local resident Nasir Hussain, who was part of the procession, recounted, “There was a sudden spark, followed by screams. Within seconds, people collapsed. It was chaos.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Five people succumbed to injuries on the spot, while others, including children, suffered burns and trauma.

CM Orders Crackdown, Suspends Officials

In the wake of the tragedy, CM Adityanath took swift administrative action. The district magistrate and the superintendent of police have been issued showcause notices. Three junior engineers from the power department were suspended pending investigation.

Speaking at a press conference, the CM remarked, “Year after year, guidelines are issued for festivals. If someone can’t ensure basic safety protocols are followed, they are unfit to hold office.”

He also emphasized the need to explore underground wiring in sensitive zones and ordered an audit of overhead lines in all high-risk areas before any religious processions are permitted.

Public Outcry and Political Reactions

Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Congress, criticized the government for repeated lapses in public safety, especially during religious events.

SP leader Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, “Every time there's a festival, tragedy strikes. What’s the value of a citizen’s life in this administration?”

In contrast, BJP leaders backed the CM’s swift response. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, “CM Yogi has always prioritized public safety. The fact that he’s personally monitoring this probe shows the government’s accountability.”

Experts Call for Infrastructure Reform

Infrastructure and public safety experts have pointed out the need for systematic planning for mass gatherings.

Dr. Arvind Mishra, an urban planner, noted, “In densely populated towns, high-voltage wires in residential areas are a ticking time bomb. Without relocation or underground cabling, tragedies like Jaunpur will repeat.”

He added that while India has made progress in smart city initiatives, rural and semi-urban regions still lag behind in basic infrastructure safety.

Economic and Market Implications

While the Jaunpur incident doesn’t directly affect financial markets, it once again highlights the persistent gap in India’s urban-rural development. Analysts believe incidents like these can undermine investor confidence, particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors, if systemic improvements are not made.

Neeraj Kumar, an analyst at India Ratings, said, “If state governments don’t upgrade transmission infrastructure or enforce safety audits, it could lead to higher insurance claims, liability risks, and a rise in project costs. This reflects poorly on investor sentiment, especially in public-private partnership (PPP) models.”

Investor Outlook: Infra and Utility Stocks Under Watch

Post-incident, investors have kept a close watch on utility firms operating in Uttar Pradesh, especially those handling power distribution. While there hasn’t been any sharp movement in stock prices, any further negligence could increase regulatory scrutiny on private contractors and state-owned discoms.

Mutual funds and long-term institutional investors are increasingly incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors. Analysts suggest that companies and governments failing on social safety parameters may see downgrades in ESG ratings, thereby reducing their appeal to global funds.

The Road Ahead

The Jaunpur Tazia tragedy has reignited conversations around crowd safety, governance accountability, and infrastructure reforms. For Uttar Pradesh, which has made headlines for major developmental projects under CM Yogi’s leadership, the tragedy poses a reputational risk unless followed by systemic changes.

In his closing remarks, Yogi Adityanath said, “Let this be the last time such a tragedy occurs. My government will not spare anyone responsible for this criminal negligence.”

The people of Jaunpur continue to mourn, but many hope the tragedy becomes a catalyst for lasting change — where both lives and faith-based traditions are safeguarded with dignity and care.