Fulbari, 30th May: A 12-year-old boy drowned after slipping into a pond while bathing in the Jhoro Para area of Fulbari, leaving the locality in shock and grief. The deceased has been identified as Raju Mohammad (12).
According to local and family sources, the boy had gone to bathe in a nearby pond along with three friends when he suddenly slipped and went underwater. His friends raised an alarm and informed local residents.
Locals rushed to the spot and rescued the boy from the water. Police from New Jalpaiguri Police Station were also informed immediately.
Police reached the spot and took the child to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The body was later sent for post-mortem to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).
Local women alleged that about a year ago, a large pit was dug in the area during construction work to store water, which was never filled after completion. Over time, it turned into a pond, creating a hazardous condition.
Residents have demanded immediate filling of the waterbody to prevent further accidents involving children. New Jalpaiguri Police have initiated an investigation into the incident.