Holi was celebrated with traditional zeal and zest in Bokaro and Dhanbad districts on Thursday. Except few incidents, no major incidents were reported from the twin districts.
According to reports (from different police stations of Dhanbad and Bokaro), two deaths were reported while over 25 people mostly youths were injured in separate road accidents while at least seven were injured in a clash across the twin cities.
A youth Vinod Kumar (20), died in an accident at Chilka Bridge under Kathara police station. He was on his way to Gomia from Kathara on his motorcycle. His bike collided head-on with a Hyva and Vinod died on the spot, said an eyewitness.
While in another incident under Jharia police station, one youth died after his bike collided with another motorbike. It is commonly observed that drunk driving, coupled with the use of intoxicants, is the main reason for the spurt in accidents on the day of Holi festival, said OC V Kumar of the local police station.
At least 9 people were injured in two separate clashes under Katras police station on Thursday afternoon, police said. Initially, a verbal clash erupted between Vikash Agarwal and Sonu Pasi and Subodh Mahato, Ramesh Mahato, Suresh Mahato and Chandrika Dey which later took an ugly look and resulted into injuries to all of them, said OC of the local police station.
With the immediate intervention of cops, situation got controlled and injured were rushed to the hospital, said an eyewitness.
Reports reveal that over 25 people, including one woman ,were injured in separate incidents in both districts on Holi; all accidents involved motorcyclists and most of the cases were drunk and were driving.
Amidst tight security, the festival of colours was celebrated with great zeal. Festival boozer, tipplers and occasional drinkers enjoyed the festival a lot. The traditional drink bhang found losing its charm this Holi. More and more people found opting for liquor over the traditional drink.
Liquor sale ranks top this Holi, sold in ‘black’ in Bokaro and Chas. In a bid to set the mood to make a splash with colours, all brands sold for as high as 50 to 60 per cent from its print price here, said Gaghender a tippler (resident of Chas).
“There is no control over the market, we are forced to pay a high price as its Holi,” he added.
“We have tried to contact Excise Commissioner in this regard but he did not picked-up his mobile and later switched off his mobile,” said Sukhdeo Ghatak another buyer.
The Excise department sources said that there was an impressive increase in liquor supply and sales during Holi. “There was an approximate 40 per cent increase in liquor sale during this festival, as compared to daily sales,” he added.
