Tragic Death of Toddler in Patna Exposes Civic Negligence
A heart-wrenching incident in Patna has brought to light severe civic negligence, resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl, Khadija. The tragedy occurred on Saturday in the Isapur area of Phulwarisharif, where the child fell into an open drain while playing outside her home.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, Khadija was playing near her home when she lost her balance and slipped into the drain. Due to excessive silt accumulation, she became trapped at one spot, unable to escape. Initially, the family suspected abduction, but CCTV footage later confirmed the tragic accident.
The search for the child lasted nearly two hours before she was finally pulled out from the drain. She was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival. The family, originally from Badmer village in Assam, is devastated by the loss.
Family's Account and Local Outrage
The deceased's father, Saddam Hussain, recounted the events, stating that his wife had gone to dry clothes after bathing at around 11 am. During this time, Khadija wandered outside and fell into the drain. When the mother returned to look for her daughter, she could not find her, leading to a frantic search by family members.
"We first searched extensively on our own. When she was not found, we informed the Dial 112 team," Hussain added, highlighting the desperation of the situation.
Locals in the area have expressed outrage over the incident, blaming municipal negligence for the uncovered drains. A woman from the neighborhood alleged that the tragedy reflects a failure on the part of the municipal council and demanded compensation for the grieving family.
Demands for Action and Official Response
Residents claimed that several drains in the locality are open and lack proper covers or safety measures. They reported that complaints had been made repeatedly in the past, but no action was taken by the authorities.
Following the incident, locals have demanded that the administration ensure all open drains are covered immediately and take strict action against those responsible for the negligence.
In response, Deepak Jha, the executive officer of Phulwari Sharif Municipal Council, stated that orders have been given to a junior engineer to inspect drains in all wards of Phulwarisharif. The incident occurred in Ward 24, and authorities are now under pressure to address the issue.
Ghulam Shahwaz Alam, the station house officer of Phulwari Sharif, confirmed that the child's body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination at AIIMS-Patna.
Broader Implications
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved civic infrastructure and safety measures in urban areas. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and the importance of timely action to prevent such incidents in the future.
