Sunny Khurma
Cheif Editor
Motihari, October 2, 2026: A tragic drowning incident in Bihar’s East Champaran district claimed the lives of four minor girls on Friday morning, leaving families and residents of Bankat village in deep shock.
The incident took place in Bankat village under Paharpur police station, where the girls had gone to a local pond during activities connected with the Jivitputrika, or Jitiya, festival.
The victims have been identified as 13-year-old Sonamati, 10-year-old Phoolmati, 10-year-old Sonali Kumari and 12-year-old Pratima Kumari.
According to preliminary information, women and children from the village had gathered near the pond for the traditional festival bath when the four girls went into deeper water and got into difficulty.
People nearby raised an alarm after noticing the emergency, prompting local residents to rush to help.
The girls were brought out of the pond and taken to the Community Health Centre in Paharpur, where doctors declared them dead.
Police reached the area after receiving information about the incident and began the required legal procedure. The bodies were subsequently sent to Motihari for post-mortem examination.
The deaths of four children within a short span left Bankat village in mourning, particularly as the tragedy occurred during a religious festival traditionally associated with prayers for the health and well-being of children.
Local authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, including conditions around the pond and whether additional safety measures may be required at water bodies used during large religious gatherings.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of close supervision of children near ponds, rivers and other deep-water areas, especially when large numbers of people gather for festivals and community events.
Further official details regarding the incident were awaited at the time of publication.
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