A devastating incident in Purnia, Bihar, claimed the lives of five people due to a contractor’s negligence. The incident took place in the Subhash Nagar area of Ward 24, under the Kasba police station. A dam construction project, funded by the irrigation department, was in progress from Madrasa Chowk to Mahavir Chowk. The contractor excavated soil from a nearby field to fill the dam, creating a deep pit.
A young girl named Gauri Kumari went to the area and accidentally fell into the pit. Her mother, Sulochana Devi, tried to rescue her but was also pulled under. Several other people attempted to help, but while some managed to get out, three others drowned, along with the mother and daughter. The deceased include 9-year-old Gauri Kumari, 32-year-old Sulochana Devi, 18-year-old Sachin Kumar, 19-year-old Shekhar Kumar, and 20-year-old Karan Kumar.
The incident caused immense grief in Kasba. Rescue operations were launched to retrieve the bodies, which were then taken to Purnia Medical College. District Magistrate Anshul Kumar visited the college, spoke to the families, and sent a team to the scene.
Local resident Durgesh Kumar stated that the contractor had been excavating soil, creating a pit around 25-30 feet deep. The pit filled with water due to the rain, and the depth was not realized. Durgesh Kumar placed the blame squarely on the contractor.
Congress MLA Afaq Alam, upon reaching the site, criticized the government, labeling the incident a ‘murder.’ He alleged that he had previously written to the authorities about the improper construction, but his concerns were ignored. He also pointed out the absence of proper signage or estimated costs and the flawed method of dam construction, where soil was being excavated from an adjacent area.
District Magistrate Anshul Kumar announced that post-mortem examinations would be carried out, and the government would provide financial assistance for the victims’ families. He also stated that an engineering team would investigate the matter, and action would be taken against those responsible.