Chaos gripped a lavish wedding reception in Jamui, Bihar, when celebratory shots from revelers left a Nepali dancer with a badly singed face. Poonam Kumari, who was midway through her performance on February 27 night in Lohara village, became the unintended victim of gunpowder splatter.
The night promised festivity with a grand stage setup for cultural dances. But joy turned to horror as a few men near the platform unleashed volleys of gunfire, a common but perilous custom. Burning particles from the ammunition struck Poonam’s face, causing immediate agony and disfigurement.
Guests fled in disarray while her team and family rushed her to medical help. Initial treatment revealed serious facial injuries, though her life is no longer at risk. Bhavesh, the booking agent, detailed how their troupe travels for such gigs, charging 35,000 rupees this time. He pointed to three or four shooters, informed late into the night.
SDPO Satish Suman confirmed police response was prompt, with the site inspected thoroughly. The groom and two accomplices are in custody, an FIR filed, and probes target the firearms used. This case highlights a persistent problem in Bihar, where wedding merriments frequently lead to accidents from unauthorized firing.
Community leaders are calling for awareness campaigns and tougher penalties. Poonam, a two-year veteran in the dance circuit from Nepal, now faces a painful recovery. The bride and groom’s families expressed regret, but the damage is done, reminding everyone of the fine line between celebration and catastrophe.
