Bhopal: Three tribal schoolgirls, including two sisters, drowned while bathing in a village well in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district on Saturday morning. The deceased have been identified as Tanu (13), her sister Radha (12), daughters of Halke Ram, and Amrita (12), daughter of Ramgopal. The incident occurred around 11 am when the girls went to a well outside Sagour village to bathe.
Water Scarcity Forces Use of Dangerous Well
Villagers said the well, located nearly a kilometre away from the village, is commonly used due to severe water scarcity in the area. The region has been facing acute water shortage, compelling residents to rely on this particular well for bathing and other domestic needs.
Sequence of the Tragic Incident
According to eyewitness accounts, one of the girls slipped into deep water while bathing. As she struggled to stay afloat, another girl climbed down to rescue her but also began to drown. Moments later, a third girl jumped into the well in an attempt to save them. Due to the high water level and difficult conditions inside the well, all three drowned, villagers reported.
A fourth girl, Amina, who witnessed the entire incident, ran back to alert villagers and family members. Upon receiving the information, villagers rushed to the spot and pulled the girls out of the well. They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
Community in Shock
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the tribal community in Sagour village. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. The bodies have been handed over to the families after post-mortem examination.
This incident highlights the severe water crisis in the region, which forces residents, especially children, to use unsafe water sources. Officials have been urged to address the water scarcity issue and provide safe bathing facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
