Patna: A tragic incident was reported from Bihar’s East Champaran district, where a woman and her four children are feared to have drowned in a pond under the Govindganj police station area of Areraj subdivision, police said on Friday.
The incident triggered panic in the area, with a large number of villagers gathering at the spot. Police and civil administration officials reached the location and launched a search operation.
Four bodies recovered, search continues
With the help of local residents and divers, four bodies, including that of the woman, were recovered from the pond, while efforts were underway to trace the fifth victim.
According to villagers, the deceased include the woman, her two sons and two daughters. Police said the identities of all victims and the exact number of casualties would be confirmed after completion of the recovery operation and official verification.
The woman was identified as Sushila Devi, wife of Dharmendra Mahto and a resident of Ward Number 6 of Babhnauli Panchayat.
Cause of drowning remains unclear
The incident has left the family devastated, with mourning spreading across the village.
The circumstances leading to the drowning are yet to be established. Some villagers suspect a possible family dispute, while others believe the woman and her children may have accidentally fallen into the pond while she had gone to collect fodder for livestock.
Police said all possible angles are being investigated and no conclusion has been reached so far.
Investigation underway
Officials from the Areraj Circle Office and Govindganj Police Station reached the spot after receiving information about the incident.
The recovered bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, while legal procedures are underway. Search operations for the missing victim are continuing with the help of divers and local residents.
Police said the exact reason behind the incident will be known only after a detailed investigation, witness statements and verification of facts.
The administration has appealed to people not to spread rumours and rely only on official information during the investigation.