UP cop suspended after overheight Tazia catches fire during procession in Bareilly

Bareilly: A sub-inspector was suspended for allegedly granting permission to a procession despite the Tazia being taller than the permissible height, police here said on Monday.

According to police, the Tazia caught fire after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in Gausganj village on Sunday night, triggering panic among participants. No injuries were reported.

The procession was moving towards the Bareilly–Shahjahanpur road.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya suspended Sub-Inspector Ashok Kumar for allegedly granting permission for the procession despite the Tazia exceeding the permissible height. An inquiry has been initiated into his role.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (South) Anshika Verma, the Tazia was found to be 23 feet tall — well above the 12-foot limit prescribed in the guidelines.

"The sub-inspector had reported the Tazia's height to be within permissible limits in his report, based on which the procession was cleared," Verma said.

"This was a clear violation, and the officer has been suspended pending investigation," she added.

Residents and procession organisers managed to douse the flames, and the charred portion of the Tazia was removed.

The remaining part was carried to the designated Karbala site and ceremonially buried as per tradition.