Godda News: 12-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Sukhari, Godda Amid Chhath Puja Rituals

Godda, November 08, 20024: Tragedy struck the village of Sukhari in the Godda district during the revered Chhath Puja, as a 12-year-old boy, Anand Kumar, lost his life while performing the evening Arghya rituals. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when Anand, son of Dinesh Mandal, drowned in a local pond while bathing as part of the religious observances.

Family’s Frantic Search Ends in Heartbreak

Following the Arghya, when Anand did not return home, his family initiated a frantic search throughout the village, hoping to find him safe. However, their search yielded no results and they presumed he might be staying elsewhere and would return by morning. The somber discovery came on Friday when devotees assembled for the morning Arghya noticed the boy’s lifeless body floating face-down in the water.

Community Mourns During Chhath Puja

The death of Anand Kumar cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere, turning celebrations into mourning. Chhath Puja, known for its devotion to the Sun God and prayers for family well-being, became a time of sorrow for Sukhari villagers. “Anand was our only son, our family’s light,” said Dinesh Mandal, overcome with grief. The incident left the village community in shock, with neighbors expressing deep condolences for the bereaved family.

Pond Safety Concerns Raised

According to Dinesh Mandal, the pond where his son drowned had been deepened recently, making it particularly dangerous. This was not an isolated incident, Mandal revealed that multiple children had drowned in the same pond in previous years, raising concerns about local safety measures. Villagers have urged authorities to implement protective measures to prevent further tragedies.

Police Investigation Underway

Local authorities, led by the officer in charge, visited the site to conduct an investigation. The police have recorded the incident and are working to ensure that necessary steps are taken to safeguard residents, especially during public and religious gatherings.

The tragic incident has prompted a wider discussion about safety protocols during major events like Chhath Puja, highlighting the need for stringent oversight to protect community members and prevent similar occurrences in the future.