Succumbed Weeks After Suffering Burns At Practice Session In Talala
Dhamal, a Siddi traditional dance, often has fire breathing
Rajkot: A 10-year-old boy from Talala in Gir Somnath district died at Rajkot Civil Hospital on Wednesday, nearly four weeks after suffering severe burns while practising a traditional Dhamal dance performance involving fire antics.The deceased, Mujahid Shaily, suffered critical burns on Aug 28 while practising with three other children aged between five and eight years.Dhamal, a traditional dance associated with the Siddi community, who are of African heritage, often includes fire antics such as fire eating, fire walking and fire breathing. According to police, the accident occurred during a practice session in Talala.Investigating officer Jagdish Dodiya said, “The flammable liquid from Mujahid’s mouth spilled onto his clothes during the performance. The front of his body caught fire, and the flames spread as he ran, fanned by the wind.”Mujahid suffered burns on more than 50% of his body. He was initially taken to Junagadh for treatment before being shifted to Rajkot Civil Hospital, where he succumbed.Police registered a report at Talala police station and recorded statements from people present during the incident.A preliminary investigation found that Mujahid lived with his mother in the Narsang Tekri area of Talala.Officials said further action is being taken based on a complaint application and findings from the postmortem. Police said action will be initiated against any person found to have played a criminal role in the incident.
