Two-Year-Old Boy Dies After Falling Into Unattended Pit In Odisha’s Keonjhar

The deceased child was identified as Anil, son of Arun Khandei of the village under Hatadihi block and Soso police limits.

According to villagers, a private contract firm had excavated a deep pit on the village road nearly five years ago after a leakage was detected in a water pipeline linked to the mega drinking water project. However, despite repeated complaints from local residents, the pit was neither repaired properly nor filled, posing a serious threat to villagers.

The mishap occurred on Sunday afternoon when the toddler was reportedly playing near the site. Unaware of the danger, the child accidentally slipped and fell into the pit.

After the child went missing, family members and villagers launched a frantic search operation. Following hours of search, the body of the child was recovered from the pit in the evening. The body was later sent to Anandpur Sub-Divisional Hospital for postmortem examination.

The incident sparked widespread outrage among villagers, who accused the contractor of gross negligence and irresponsibility. Locals alleged that despite repeated warnings about the hazardous open pit, no preventive measures were taken by the company authorities.

Villagers demanded strict action against the private firm responsible for the alleged negligence, adequate compensation for the bereaved family, and immediate filling of the pit to avoid further tragedies.

Speaking on the incident, Anandpur Sub-Collector Nilamadhab Suna said, “A contract firm had dug a pit for pipeline repair work under the mega drinking water project in Jhanjhana village under Hatadihi block and Soso police limits. I have sought a detailed report from the concerned superintending engineer, and action will be taken after the report is received.”