Keonjhar: A tragic incident was reported from Jhanjhana village under the Anandapur subdivision in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, where a two-year-old boy died after falling into a deep pit allegedly left open by a company executing a mega drinking water project.

Negligence alleged after child’s death in mega water project pit

According to reports, a leakage developed in a pipeline laid under the mega drinking water project around five years ago. To repair the leaking pipe, the company authorities had dug a large and deep pit in the middle of the village road. However, locals alleged that the repair work was left incomplete and the pit remained uncovered for a long time, posing serious danger to residents.

The deceased child has been identified as Anil, the two-year-old son of Arun Khandei of the village. On Sunday afternoon, the child was reportedly playing near the area when he accidentally fell into the open pit.

Family members and villagers launched a frantic search after the child went missing. Later in the evening, the boy’s body was recovered from the pit and sent to the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Villagers blamed the negligence of the company authorities for the mishap and demanded adequate compensation for the bereaved family. They also urged the authorities to immediately fill up the hazardous pit to prevent further accidents.

Locals further alleged that the child’s father, Arun Khandei, had also suffered serious injuries after falling into the same pit a few months ago and has remained bedridden since then.