Patna: A 12-year-old boy died in a tragic accident in Patna’s Phulwarisharif on Saturday after a scarf reportedly tightened around his neck while he was attempting to make a swing during a play session in a field.
The deceased, identified as Aditya Kumar, was a resident of Majhauli Musahari village under Manpur Anda Panchayat in the Phulwarisharif block. His death has left the village in mourning, with family members and neighbours struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Accident While Grazing Goats
According to local residents, Aditya had gone to nearby fields on Saturday morning along with other children to graze goats.
Police said the boy was carrying an odhni (scarf) and was playing with his friends when he attempted to tie it to a tree branch to create a swing.
During the process, the scarf allegedly became entangled around his neck, causing critical injuries.
The children who were with him reportedly panicked and rushed back to the village to inform family members and residents.
By the time villagers reached the spot, Aditya had already died.
Village Gripped by Grief
The incident triggered scenes of grief across Majhauli village, where residents gathered to support the bereaved family.
Aditya’s father, Sudarshan Manjhi, works as a daily wage labourer. Villagers described the family’s loss as particularly devastating given their difficult economic circumstances.
A steady stream of relatives, neighbours and local residents visited the family’s home throughout the day to offer condolences.
Initial Resistance to Post-Mortem
After receiving information about the incident, Phulwarisharif police reached the scene and initiated legal formalities.
Officials sought to send the body for a post-mortem examination, but family members initially resisted the move.
Police and administrative authorities spent several hours counselling the family and explaining the legal requirements.
Local elected representatives, including Manpur Anda Panchayat Mukhiya Sunil Yadav and the village Sarpanch, also intervened to help persuade the family.
Following discussions, the family agreed to the post-mortem examination, and the body was sent to AIIMS Patna on Saturday evening.
Police Investigation Underway
Sub-Inspector Manish Kumar of Phulwarisharif police station said preliminary findings indicate that the incident was accidental.
“The child appears to have met with the accident while attempting to make a swing during play while grazing goats. Further action will be taken after the post-mortem report is received,” he said.
Mukhiya Sunil Yadav has appealed to the government to provide financial assistance and compensation to the bereaved family.
Police said an investigation is continuing and that the final cause of death will be determined following the post-mortem examination.
