Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Sep 23: A devastating accident shook the village of Maricha Tikha in Saran district on Tuesday, when four children from the same extended family tragically drowned while bathing in a local pond. The incident has plunged the community into deep grief and shock.
The victims — Ashish Kumar (14), son of Inspector Singh; Munna Kumar (11), son of Manshi Lal Singh; Ankush Kumar (11); and Krishna (alias Kariman) Kumar (13), son of Manager Singh — were closely related cousins who had gone to the pond to bathe.
Fatal Accident in Deep Waters
According to police reports, the children unknowingly wandered into a deep part of the pond on Tuesday afternoon. One by one, they slipped beneath the water and were unable to resurface.
The tragic news spread quickly, sparking panic and sorrow across the village. Grieving relatives fainted, while neighbors and villagers gathered in despair.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Responding swiftly, Gadkha Police Station Officer Shashi Ranjan Kumar and Circle Officer Neeli Yadav arrived at the scene with divers and local volunteers. After several hours of intense search operations, all four bodies were recovered from the pond.
The victims’ remains were sent to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination after completing necessary legal procedures.
Calls for Safety Measures
Villagers pointed out that the pond is dangerously deep and lacks any protective fencing or warning signs, putting children, women, and elderly at risk. They have appealed to local authorities to introduce safety measures such as fencing, clear signage, and regular patrolling to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Compensation and Community Mourning
A complaint has been filed at the Gadkha police station, and officials have recommended adequate compensation for the families. Under state provisions, each bereaved family is eligible to receive Rs 4 lakh as financial aid.
Despite the support from neighbors and officials, the families remain inconsolable, mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their young loved ones. The entire village remains shrouded in sorrow, grappling with the tragedy that has claimed the lives of its children.