One chhau dancer killed, 26 others injured in accident

One chhau dancer was killed and 26 others were injured when their vehicle overturned at Kashidih village in Purulia today.

Superintendent of Police C Sudhakar said the dancers of 'Kaipara Chhau Nritya Party' were travelling to Khatra in neighbouring Bankura district for an evening performance when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

While 67-year-old chhau dancer Nagendranath Mahato died on the spot, 60 kms from here, 26 others were rushed to the nearest hospital, the SP said.

The condition of six dancers was stated to be "critical" and they were shifted to Bankura Medical College and Hospital, he said.
 

Chhau is a tribal martial dance popular in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. Purulia is well known for its sub genre known as 'Purulia Chhau'.