Shivpuri, Oct 8 (NationPress) Two tribal children tragically drowned in an unfenced pond located in the village of Manikpur within Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, according to police reports released on Wednesday.

The heartbreaking incident occurred late on Tuesday evening, leaving local residents in deep shock and mourning as families grapple with the unexpected loss.

As per police accounts, the children were playing near the pond, a typical water source for the village, when the unfortunate event took place. The parents of the victims, both farm laborers, had taken their children to work on a nearby farm.

While engaged in play, the children accidentally fell into the deep waters. This pond, situated on the outskirts of Manikpur under the jurisdiction of the Mayapur police station, is not enclosed by any fencing and lacks essential safety measures, posing a significant risk for children without supervision.

Upon realizing the children were missing, family members rushed to the pond and succeeded in retrieving them. They were promptly transported to the district hospital in Shivpuri for urgent medical care.

Despite the dedicated efforts of medical personnel, both children sadly passed away due to their injuries early Wednesday morning.

The young victims, identified as Sompal (8) and Sannu (7), were cousins from tribal families residing in the village.

This tragedy has prompted widespread grief and concern among locals, many of whom gathered at the hospital and later visited the families’ homes to express their condolences and provide support.

The police have filed a MERG report and initiated an investigation. Local authorities are conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the incident, with plans to evaluate the safety of water bodies in the vicinity.

Officials from the district administration have visited the site and spoken with affected families. Initial findings indicate that the pond lacks fundamental safety infrastructure such as fencing, warning signs, or barriers to prevent accidental access.

In light of this tragedy, community leaders and social advocates are urging immediate action to secure ponds and other water sources in rural areas. They stress the importance of awareness campaigns and safety education to avert similar incidents in the future.

The district administration is reportedly considering financial compensation for the grieving families and may announce measures to enhance safety around public water bodies.

Meanwhile, the families of the deceased are engulfed in sorrow, and the village remains somber. This incident starkly highlights the dangers posed by unsecured water bodies in rural India and underscores the urgent need for preventive measures to safeguard vulnerable children.