Amid celebrations, growing concern over firing incidents in Bihar

PATNA: Eleven-year-old Nezami had gone out of her house to see the wedding procession of her neighbour amid playing of the orchestra when the groom's elder brother resorted to celebratory firing. One of the bullets hit the girl in the chest and she died on the spot. The incident took place at a village in East Champaran district on February 15.
This is not an isolated incident in the state. Celebratory firings has claimed several lives during wedding functions since they have apparently got associated with status symbols in the "semi-feudal" Bihar, social scientists say.
Yet, what has proved to be the catalyst is "nathunia pe goli mare saiyan hamar ho...", a popular Bhojpuri number which has become a big hit in the rural areas. In fact, no wedding is complete without this number and playing this, means indiscriminate firing in the air which on several occasions has killed or at least injured many, say the wedding organisers.
In November last year, a 36-year-old man, said to be a friend of the groom, was killed after being hit by bullets during the celebratory firing at the time of the wedding reception party in Begusarai district. The victim was standing on the dais for a photograph with the newly-wed couple when he was killed by bullets, police have said.
Again in June last year, bride's sister-in-law (bhabhi) was killed, while six others, including the bride, were wounded in a celebratory firing during a wedding function in Araria district. The wounded persons were later admitted to Purnia hospital for treatment.
In April, 2022, three people, including the groom, were seriously wounded in celebratory firing in Bhojpur district during the 'tilak' ceremony, while in February, the bride's sister-in-law was killed during a wedding function in Arwal district. Villagers and police officials say celebratory firings have become a matter of serious concern across the state.
"We are taking action in the matter. One of them includes the cancellation of arms licences," state additional director general of police (headquarters) JS Gangwar said. Stating that the police have already issued guidelines to check such incidents, Gangwar said, "Weapons are for your safety, and not for celebration and enjoyment."