A two-day-old infant died amid loud DJ music during a Durga idol immersion procession in Barhani town of Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district, prompting the family to demand action over the noise. Police have sent the newborn’s body for a post-mortem examination and said the cause of death will be established after the report.
The incident took place around 11:30 pm on October 20 in Ward No. 9, near the Ram Janaki temple, under the jurisdiction of Dhebarua police station. The infant’s family, led by his father, Javed Manihar, alleged that DJs were competing to play music at extremely high volumes during the procession.
According to the family, the noise was so intense that vibrations could be felt inside their house. They also alleged that part of the structure outside their home, described in reports as a chajja or projecting roof, collapsed amid the loud music.
Javed’s wife had given birth to the boy on October 18 at the Barhani Primary Health Centre. The mother and newborn were brought home the following day.
The family alleged that the infant’s condition deteriorated while his mother was feeding him. Javed’s father, Sai Mohammad, said the baby cried after a loud burst of sound and then became unresponsive.
The family suspects that the loud DJ music contributed to the infant’s death and has submitted a complaint to the police seeking action.
Police Say Infant Was Already Unwell
Police have said the infant was reportedly unwell before his death and that all possible causes are being investigated. They have not confirmed that the DJ music caused the death.
The body was sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Circle Officer Mayank Dwivedi of Shohratgarh visited the family at around 2:15 am, accompanied by police personnel, and assured them that appropriate action would be taken after the report.
The incident occurred as idols from several local Durga Puja pandals were brought to the town’s Ramlila ground before being taken in a procession for immersion in the Chargahwa river. The family’s home is reportedly less than 30 metres from the ground.
The competing DJs were allegedly playing music at very high volumes as the procession took place late at night.
Residents Raise Questions Over Noise Restrictions
The death has renewed concerns among local residents about loud DJ music during religious processions and the enforcement of noise restrictions.
According to reports, a complaint seeking control over loud DJ music had been submitted to the district magistrate and superintendent of police on October 4. The issue was also reportedly raised at a peace committee meeting.
Residents have questioned why loud music continued despite concerns about its impact on people living nearby.
Under noise pollution rules in India, the use of loudspeakers and public address systems is generally restricted between 10 pm and 6 am, subject to specified exceptions and permissions. The circumstances under which the DJs were operating late at night have not been established in the available reports.
For now, police have said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death.
