What Happened to the Child Who Fell into an Open Drain in Assam?
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident in Guwahati, Assam, a three-year-old child fell into an open drain near a construction site, leading to their untimely death. This tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety protocols and accountability, prompting police action against involved construction company officials. The community is now calling for justice and stricter safety regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Child Safety: The incident highlights the critical importance of safety measures at construction sites.
- Accountability: Arrests have been made, but community calls for accountability continue.
- Public Outrage: The tragic death has sparked widespread anger and demands for justice.
- Previous Violations: This incident is not isolated, with prior safety lapses reported.
- Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are actively investigating both this case and previous incidents.
Guwahati, Sep 5 (NationPress) In a deeply saddening event that has ignited widespread outrage, a three-year-old child tragically lost their life after tumbling into an open drain close to an under-construction bridge in the Kalapahar region of Guwahati, Assam, as confirmed by a police official on Friday.
Authorities reported that three individuals connected to the construction project have been apprehended, including a director from the company overseeing the site.
The detained individuals have been named as Avinash Bhatia, Director of Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd (BIPL), Safety Engineer Kaushik Gogoi, and Deputy Project Manager Prasannajit Pathak.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) in Guwahati, Padmanabh Baruah, revealed that the arrests were made following a formal complaint lodged by the child's father, who accused BIPL of direct negligence.
The project is being carried out under the oversight of the Public Works Department (PWD).
“The investigation commenced based on the father’s allegations. He held the construction company accountable for his child's death. The site was under PWD supervision,” the DCP stated to reporters.
Officials noted that CCTV footage recorded the harrowing moment when the young child fell into the unprotected drain.
This footage quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage and calls for severe consequences for those at fault.
Police also disclosed that this incident was not the first occurrence of safety violations at a BIPL site. Just a month prior, another individual lost their life due to electrocution at a different project managed by the same company, for which an FIR was also filed.
“Despite a recent similar incident, the company has failed to adopt any safety measures. There has been a lack of accountability regarding public safety,” Baruah added.
He emphasized that investigations into both cases are ongoing, and while three individuals have been arrested, further apprehensions may occur.
Several other employees of the firm have already been detained and are undergoing questioning.
The child’s tragic death has drawn intense criticism towards both the company and governmental authorities for neglecting basic safety protocols.
Local residents are demanding accountability from the PWD for its inadequate supervision of the site.
Point of View
The tragic death of a child at a construction site underscores a critical failure in safety oversight. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and accountability measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The public's reaction reflects a broader concern for child safety and the responsibility of construction firms to uphold the highest safety standards.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the child's death in Assam?
A three-year-old child fell into an unprotected open drain near an under-construction bridge in Guwahati, Assam.
What actions were taken against the construction company?
Three officials from Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd were arrested following a complaint from the victim's father, citing negligence.
Were there previous safety violations at the construction site?
Yes, there was another incident a month prior where a man died due to electrocution at a different BIPL project.
What has the community response been?
Residents have expressed outrage and are demanding accountability from both the construction company and the Public Works Department.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the investigation is still in progress, and more arrests may occur as authorities look into safety practices.
