Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident, a two-year-old toddler died after falling into a deep uncovered pit dug by a company for repairing a leaking pipeline under the Mega Drinking Water Project at Jhanjhana village under the Anandapur subdivision in Keonjhar district.
The deceased child has been identified as Anil Khandei, son of Arun Khandei of Jhanjhana village.
According to reports, the Mega Drinking Water Project was implemented in the village around five years ago. Recently, due to leakage in the pipeline, the company dug a large and deep pit in the middle of the road for repair work. However, the company officials neither completed the repair nor filled the pit back, leaving it dangerously open for a long time. Yesterday afternoon, while playing near the area, Anil accidentally fell into the deep pit.
After a prolonged search, the child’s body was recovered in the evening and sent to the Sub-Divisional Hospital for post-mortem.
Locals have strongly criticized the company’s negligence and demanded immediate compensation for the bereaved family along with the filling up of the dangerous pit.
In a painful coincidence, the child’s father, Arun Khandei, had also fallen into the same pit a few months ago and sustained serious injuries. He has been bedridden since then.
The incident has sparked anger among villagers, who accuse the concerned authorities and the company of gross negligence.
