Four-Year-Old Girl Swept Away in Floodwater, Residents Stage Road Blockade in Kalchini
According to local residents, the incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. on Friday when the child, identified as Jaya Oraon, was on her way to her grandmother's house. She was reportedly swept away by the strong water current caused by severe waterlogging in the area.
Residents and family members immediately launched a search operation. After several hours of searching, the child's body was recovered at around 12:00 noon.
The tragic incident sparked widespread anger among local residents, who staged a road blockade demanding immediate action from the administration. Protesters alleged that illegal construction of houses, shops, and other structures in the Old Hasimara area has obstructed natural drainage channels, causing rainwater to overflow into nearby settlements every year.
Locals claimed that drain water, garbage, diapers, and other waste materials regularly enter their homes during heavy rains. They further alleged that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no effective measures had been taken to address the drainage problem.
Police and administrative officials reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters. The administration reportedly sought seven days' time to identify and take legal action against illegal constructions in the area.
Following the assurance, the protesters withdrew the road blockade at around 2:30 p.m., allowing traffic movement to resume. However, they warned that if the authorities fail to remove the illegal structures within seven days, local residents may launch their own action against the encroachments.
Meanwhile, the administration has begun a demarcation process to identify alleged illegal constructions. Residents are demanding justice for the deceased child, removal of illegal structures, and the establishment of a permanent drainage system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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