In a shocking mishap just before Holi celebrations, six young lives were lost in a pond in Bihar’s Motihari. The children from Lohargava village under Kesariya thana had been grazing goats when they decided to bathe in a local pond post-lunar eclipse.
What began as an innocent dip turned fatal when the group encountered unexpectedly deep water. One child struggled, and in trying to save their friend, the others followed suit, leading to a collective tragedy. Three of the deceased were biological sisters, amplifying the sorrow for their family.
The victims: Priya (6), Sonakshi (9), Sonali (12), Prince (11), Chhoti (8), and Diksha (12). Villagers’ wails echoed as bodies were retrieved with divers’ help and police took custody for autopsy.
District authorities responded promptly, with the DM assuring financial aid. This devastating event on Holika Dahan night has cast a pall over festivities, prompting reflections on rural water safety.
Experts highlight the need for fencing hazardous ponds and educating children on drowning risks. The community rallies around the affected families, but the loss of these bright young souls leaves an irreplaceable void.