Tragic Ball Game Accident Claims Life of Kolkata Teenager
A 19-year-old boy from Kolkata died in a shocking and freak accident on Sunday while playing with friends in the Watgunge area. The victim, identified as Aniket Das, succumbed to injuries after being struck by a hard rubber ball on his neck, just below the right earlobe. The incident has sent waves of grief and disbelief through the narrow lanes of Mansatala Lane off Diamond Harbour Road, where the young man resided.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
According to family members and preliminary police reports, Aniket was outside his home engaging in a casual game of catch with his friends. The group was tossing a hard rubber ball in the air and catching it, a routine activity they often enjoyed. However, the session took a tragic turn when the ball allegedly hit an object mid-air, causing it to change direction abruptly and strike Aniket in a vulnerable spot between his jawbone and earlobe.
Witnesses recounted that Aniket was found struggling to breathe shortly after the impact, around 5:30 PM. His mother, Neetu Das, a homemaker, rushed outside after being alerted by neighbors who saw him collapse. "I found him lying on the ground, gasping for air. His friends immediately informed me that he had been hit by the ball," she recounted, her voice heavy with sorrow.
Family's Anguish and Police Investigation
The family quickly took Aniket to CMRI Hospital in Ekbalpore, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Aniket, who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on April 4, leaves behind a devastated family. His father, Debabrata Das, a 62-year-old retired government official, has lodged a formal complaint with the police, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's untimely death.
"We are not blaming anyone specifically, but we need to understand how such a routine play session could end in tragedy," Debabrata stated. He emphasized that no family members were present at the spot during the incident, relying on accounts from friends and neighbors.
Aniket's aunt, Suman Kumari, shared that the mother has been inconsolable, refusing to eat and barely leaving her room since the accident. The entire community is grappling with the loss, as residents expressed shock over the unpredictable nature of the event.
Police Probe and Witness Accounts
Harikrishna Pai, Deputy Commissioner (Port), confirmed that an unnatural death case has been registered, and a detailed probe is underway. Investigators are interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Some accounts suggest that Aniket might have been practicing catches alone when the ball deflected and hit him, though this is still under verification.
"We are exploring all possibilities to rule out any foul play and determine the precise cause of death," Pai assured. The police are meticulously examining the scene and gathering statements to provide clarity to the grieving family.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the fragility of life and has sparked conversations about safety during recreational activities, even in seemingly harmless games. The community mourns the loss of a young life, as authorities work to bring closure through a comprehensive investigation.
