Sundargarh, Sept. 16 (UDN): Tragedy struck Sundargarh district after three minor girls drowned in the Shankh River while collecting sand and other materials for Karma Puja preparations.
The incident occurred at Salangabahal village under Raiboga police station limits, leaving the local community in mourning.
Girls swept away by strong river current
According to reports, the three girls, aged between six and eight years, had gone to the river along with a group of other children to collect sand as part of preparations for Karma Puja.
After gathering the required materials, most of the children reportedly returned home. However, the three girls stayed back near the river. They are suspected to have gone into the water either to play or bathe when they were caught in a strong current and swept away.
When the girls failed to return home, their families and villagers launched a search operation. Their bodies were subsequently recovered from the river.
Doctors declare girls dead
The girls were rushed to Biramitrapur hospital by their family members and local residents. However, doctors declared all three dead on arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Sibika Sahu (6), Gitika Sahu (6) and Shruti Sahu (8), all residents of Majhatoli.
The incident has plunged Salangabahal and the girls’ families into grief, coming at a time when communities across the region are observing Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai and preparing for Karma Puja.
The tragic deaths have also raised concerns over the safety of children near rivers and other water bodies during festival-related activities.
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