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, from the village within Hatadihi block and Soso police limits.

According to villagers, a private contracting firm dug a deep hole on the village road about five years ago after detecting a leak in the water pipeline connected to the mega drinking water project. However, despite repeated complaints from local residents, the pit was not properly repaired and filled, posing a serious threat to the villagers.

The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the little boy was playing near the site. Unaware of the danger, the child accidentally slipped and fell into the pit.

After the child disappeared, family members and villagers launched an intensive search. After hours of searching, the child’s body was removed from the pit in the evening. The body was later sent to Anandpur Sub-District Hospital for autopsy.

The incident sparked widespread anger among villagers, who accused the contractor of gross negligence and irresponsibility. Neighborhood residents claimed that despite repeated warnings about the dangerous open pit, no precautions were taken by company officials.

The villagers demanded strict action against the private firm responsible for the alleged negligence, adequate compensation to the bereaved family and immediate filling of the hole to prevent further tragedies.

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