Patna, Jan. 30: More than 40 people were injured in a stampede after a Muharram tazia hit a live 1,000-volt cable in Bhagalpur this evening.

Reports from the east Bihar town said as the top of the tazia was awash with rosewater, some people received electric shock and were thrown on the ground near Pankha Toli Chowk.

Panic spread and a stampede broke out among the other tazia processions — all of which were headed for Shahjangi Maidan — following the one that touched the live wire.

District magistrate Vipin Kumar said the injured were taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital. Sources said all, except 13 of those injured, were released after first-aid. “The condition of those admitted is stable,” a doctor said.

The electricity department usually disconnects power connection in the area once the annual procession starts. “It is sheer negligence on the part of the electricity department which did not disconnect the power supply today,” a processionist said. The situation in the town was under control.

Police firing: Four persons were injured when police opened fire to disperse two groups of people who clashed during a Muharram procession in Begusarai district today, reports PTI.

The injured were admitted to a hospital, police said.