Delhi Park Tragedy: 7-Year-Old Drowns in Rainwater-Filled Pond
A routine visit to a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) park in Rohini on August 10, 2024, turned into a devastating tragedy for a family when their seven-year-old son, Tarun, drowned in a pond brimming with rainwater. The incident has left his family shattered and searching for answers, as they grapple with the loss of their lively and bright child.
Family's Heartbreaking Loss and Search for Accountability
Tarun, who had moved to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh five years ago with his parents Pravesh and Dipali, an elder sister, and a younger brother, was described by family members as "lively, bright, and full of energy" with a "beautiful and curious mind." The family had relocated to the capital seeking better educational opportunities and a more secure livelihood, only to have their hopes dashed by this tragic event.
Jaswant Singh, a family member, expressed the family's anguish, stating, "They came here hoping for a good life, but the tragedy put paid to that." Singh believes the death could have been avoided with adequate safeguards, alleging negligence on behalf of the authorities. "Proper barricades and warning signs as well as the presence of a guard leading to the pond could have prevented the drowning," he emphasized.
Conflicting Accounts from Authorities and Police Investigation
In response to the allegations, the DDA issued a statement disputing the family's version of events. The Authority claimed that the waterbody, located at Chhat ghat inside the 12-acre district park adjoining Aman Vihar resettlement colony, had an average depth of three-and-a-half feet and was fenced off by a grill. They asserted that a guard present at the site had warned "seven to eight children who were playing in the park to keep off the pond," which was full of water following heavy showers.
According to the DDA, despite the warning, the children ventured into the area, and when Tarun fell into the water, the guard fished him out and took him to the hospital. However, by the time police arrived at the spot, the boy had been declared dead at the hospital.
Police have since conducted a thorough investigation, inspecting the site, examining witnesses, Tarun's parents, and those who took him to the hospital, and recording their statements. A senior police officer revealed that there were no warning signs near the waterbody, leading to the registration of a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning death due to negligence.
Ongoing Probe and Family's Quest for Justice
The investigation has progressed with notices served to the DDA's horticulture department, which is responsible for maintaining green spaces, and replies have been received. Further probes are ongoing to fix accountability, with the police officer stating, "Once those responsible are identified, a charge sheet will be filed and legal action taken."
Meanwhile, the family, which is yet to receive any compensation, continues to hope and pray for justice. They remain determined to uncover the truth behind the negligence that led to Tarun's untimely death, seeking closure and accountability from the authorities involved.
This tragic incident highlights critical issues of child safety and maintenance in public parks, raising questions about the effectiveness of safety measures during monsoon seasons when waterbodies can become hazardous. As the probe continues, the community and authorities are urged to reflect on preventive measures to avoid such heart-wrenching losses in the future.
