Bhopal Tragedy: 13-Year-Old Boy Dies While Dancing To Loud DJ Music

Bhopal: A 13-year-old boy died while dancing to loud DJ music outside his home in Bhopal on October 14. Three days later, his parents are asking neighbors for CCTV footage to help them file a complaint. There are at least eight cameras in the area, but so far, none of the owners have agreed to share the videos.

Bhopal collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh promised an investigation, stating, "Since the matter has been brought to my notice, it will be investigated." Soon after taking charge in December last year, CM Mohan Yadav had ordered a clampdown on noise pollution, but DJs have been operating at full blast during the festive season.

The child, Samar Billore, had a congenital heart condition and may have gone into fatal cardiac shock because of the DJ noise that can easily reach 100-120 decibels. His mother, Cheema Billore, described the horrifying moment, saying, "His nails had turned blue and he was unconscious. We rushed him to two hospitals, but his life could not be saved. My boy died due to the DJ van."

Witnesses reported that DJ music continued even after Samar collapsed. Family members claimed people shouted for the DJ to stop when they saw Samar fall, but the music persisted. DJ vans are typically fitted with dozens of loudspeakers, flashing lights, and a power generator. Cheema recounted, "I gave him coconut water after returning from work. He left the house to see the DJ, and within minutes, his unconscious body was brought to me." She added, "I have lost my child. Where is the accountability?"

The family said Samar had cyanotic heart disease, a defect at birth that reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the body. Cheema emphasized, "My boy was healthy before he came in contact with the DJ."

Samar's 12-year-old friend Deepak witnessed the tragic event. "As the DJ van came by, we rushed to the road. Samar came in contact with the van and started shaking like he was electrocuted. He fell on the ground immediately. We screamed for the DJ to stop. These vehicles should not be allowed to operate," said Deepak, a class V student.

The entire neighborhood was in mourning. Samar's uncle Vikram, who arrived in Bhopal from Nasrullh Ganj (about 100 km away), was trying to persuade CCTV owners to share footage. He pointed out that at least eight CCTV cameras would have covered the incident, but no one has shared footage that could help identify the van owners.

Cardiologist Deepak Chaturvedi, director of Akshay Heart, cautioned that sound pollution can trigger elevated heart activity and cause a massive shock to the cardiovascular system. "If there is cholesterol buildup, particularly vulnerable plaques can rupture, causing sudden death," he warned. Neurosurgeon Sunil Pandit of Swami Vivekanand Regional Spine Centre noted that while loud music can sometimes trigger seizures in people with epilepsy, it is not a direct cause of death.