Two Girls Drown in Pond Before Chhath Festival

Hospital Allegedly Had No Doctor as Families Rush for Treatment

Key Points:

• Roopa Tiwari, 12, and Gungun Kumari, 11, drown in Bela village pond
• Families accuse Keredari CHC of having no doctor on duty
• Both girls declared dead at Barkagaon health center

HAZARIBAGH – Two young girls drowned in a pond on Sunday in Bela village under Keredari police station in Hazaribagh district.

The victims were identified as Roopa Tiwari and Gungun Kumari. Roopa, daughter of Ravi Tiwari, was 12 years old. Gungun, daughter of Anil Tiwari, was 11 years old. Both resided in Bela village.

The incident occurred during Chhath festival preparations. The girls had gone to bathe in the village pond. Their feet slipped suddenly while bathing. They fell into deep water and began drowning.

People nearby heard the commotion and raised alarm. Family members rushed to the spot immediately. They pulled both girls out of the water.

The families took them to Keredari Community Health Center promptly. However, a serious allegation emerged against the facility. “No doctor was present at the hospital,” family members claimed.

The girls allegedly did not receive timely emergency treatment. Families expressed strong anger over the hospital administration’s negligence. Local residents also supported these accusations.

The families then rushed to Barkagaon Community Health Center. Medical officer Dr. Avinash Kumar examined both girls there. He declared them dead after examination.

“Our daughters might have survived,” family members stated. “If a doctor had been present at Keredari hospital.” The incident has exposed gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

The tragedy has cast a pall over Bela village. Chhath preparations have turned into mourning. Grief has replaced festive celebrations in the affected households.