Muzaffarpur: In a heart-wrenching incident, five minors from the same village drowned in a water-filled pit at Khangura village under Katra block of Muzaffarpur district on Sunday afternoon. The pit, created during road construction work six months ago and later filled with rainwater, has been linked by villagers to illegal mining.
According to locals, the children had stepped out to play around noon when they reached the site of the pit, which is about 200 feet wide and 30 feet deep. Despite warnings from a fisherman not to enter the water, one of the boys ventured in. His foot got stuck in the swampy bottom, and when his four friends rushed in to rescue him, they too were trapped. All five drowned before anyone could save them.
Victims Were Close Friends
The deceased were identified as Mohammed Hamza Ali (12), Abbu Taleem (12), Mohammed Anas (15), Hidayatullah (16), and Rehman (12). All were inseparable companions, living close to each other in the village.
- Hamza Ali and Abbu Taleem studied in the same school and often played together.
- Anas was the only son of his parents and the sole support for his two sisters.
- Hidayatullah, a Class 9 student, was the eldest sibling in his family and considered a shield for his younger sister.
- Rehman was deeply attached to his two sisters; his father works as a labourer in Mumbai.
Families recalled the boys had left home together to play, unaware of the tragedy awaiting them. When they did not return, relatives began searching and were informed by a villager that the boys were last seen near the pit. On reaching the site, family members found a body floating, triggering panic as more villagers rushed to the spot.
Grief Across the Village
The village plunged into mourning as news spread. Thousands joined the funeral procession on Monday evening, offering namaaz and bidding an emotional farewell. Mothers of the victims recounted their last conversations—one had cooked food her son never returned to eat, while another recalled her child asking permission to play in the rain.
Negligence Alleged, Probe Ordered
Villagers alleged that the pit was left unfilled after four-lane road construction, turning into a death trap once monsoon rains filled it. They demanded strict action against the construction company and adequate compensation for the grieving families.
Katra Circle Officer Kumari Madhumita confirmed that compensation cheques of Rs 4 lakh each had been handed over to the families. She said the matter of illegal mining would be investigated and action taken against those responsible.
Political Leaders Extend Condolences
Aurai MLA and former minister Ram Surat Rai visited the bereaved families, calling the incident “extremely tragic.” He appealed to parents to remain vigilant and prevent children from venturing into dangerous areas.
“This incident has taken away three children who were the sole support of their families. It is a very painful tragedy,” Rai said.
Leaders of various political parties and local representatives also met the families, assuring them of government support.
