Bhubaneswar: In a heart-breaking incident, two young siblings drowned after falling into a waterlogged pit dug for a septic tank in Kadodiha village, about 2 km from Koida police station in Sundargada district.
The deceased have been identified as Priya Bhumija (5), and her brother Manoj Bhumija (3). They are children of Shambhu Bhumija and Ganga Bhumija.
According to family members, Shambhu and Ganga were having lunch at home on Wednesday when Priya took Manoj out to play. The pit, dug for a latrine tank around 300 meters from the house, had filled with water due to heavy rain. The children reportedly slipped and fell into the deep pit.
When the siblings did not return for a long time, the parents went looking for them. Villagers alerted them that the two were drowning in the pit. Locals immediately pulled them out and rushed them to Koida Hospital. Doctors there declared both children dead.
On hearing the news, the children’s mother Ganga Bhumija fell seriously ill. She was admitted to hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
Police have registered a case and begun an investigation based on the complaint. The tragedy has left Kadodiha village in deep shock.
