Tragedy Strikes: Six Children Drown in Bihar's East Champaran
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Patna, March 3 (NationPress) A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Bihar just before Holi, as six children lost their lives after drowning in a river in the East Champaran district on Tuesday, according to police reports.
The unfortunate event occurred in the Rakhawa panchayat area of the Kesaria police station while the children were enjoying a bath in the Raghava river post a lunar eclipse.
Local eyewitnesses mentioned that the children had gone to the river on Tuesday evening.
One of the minors reportedly strayed into deeper water and began to drown.
In a desperate attempt to save their friend, the others followed and were subsequently swept away by the current.
People on the riverbank raised the alarm, but sadly, all six children had vanished beneath the surface before assistance could arrive.
Upon receiving the distress call, local authorities and police promptly arrived at the scene.
With help from villagers and divers, the bodies were retrieved after arduous efforts.
As the lifeless bodies were brought ashore, emotional scenes unfolded, with devastated family members collapsing in grief, and the entire village plunged into sorrow.
The victims have been identified as Diksha Kumari (12), Sonakshi (9), and Priya Kumari (6), all daughters of Dharmendra Sahani; Prince Kumar (11) and Chhoti Kumari (8), both children of Manoj Sahani; and Sonali Kumari (12), daughter of Kameshwar Sahani.
The Kesaria police confirmed that all bodies have been successfully recovered, with further legal processes now in motion.
Officials stated that the bodies are being sent for post-mortem examinations, and a thorough investigation is underway.
Saurabh Jorwal, the District Magistrate of East Champaran, expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing it as extremely unfortunate.
He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased from the Disaster Relief Fund.
Chakia Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar and Station House Officer Rahul Kumar also confirmed that the children met their fate while bathing in the river.
The authorities have urged the public to ensure that children do not swim alone in rivers or ponds, particularly during festive times, to avert such tragic occurrences in the future.
The entire Rakhawa panchayat and its neighboring regions remain engulfed in mourning following this devastating loss of young lives.