A six-year-old boy from Lakshman Rau Nagar slum died after he fell inside a pit at an EWS site which is being developed by Maverick Holdings, at Ejipura on Sunday.
The residents said that Prashanth, a student of first standard at Sacred Heart School, went to attend nature’s call, slipped and fell into the pit early evening on Sunday.
The boy was taken out by residents and he was rushed to Philomena’s Hospital. However, the doctors declared him brought dead.
His father Prakash, a hotelier, and mother Deepa, a housewife were devastated and in deep shock.
The family has been living in the area from long time, a relative of victim said.
“The construction site was open. The company is at fault, as they have not taken any precautionary measures to stop such incidents. The child fell and died in open pit in which water got accumulated due to rains ,” alleged Shanta Mary, an Ejipura resident.
Managing Director of Maverick Holdings Pvt Ltd Uday Garudachar said, “We have barricaded the area and started work after obtaining environmental clearance from the Union ministry and State Pollution (Control) Board.”
“The children here sneak in without the knowledge of security officer, while some come to take iron rods. We are not responsible for such incidents, the parents should have taken care,” he added.
No One is at Fault, Says MLA
Local MLA N A Haris, who met the boy’s family, said that no one was at fault in this incident.
“The family is poor and every one goes out to earn their living. The children don’t get the required attention. Children had gone to the water-filled pit to play and this boy drowned,” he said.
He also said compensation on humanitarian grounds could be arranged.
The police have registered a case in this regard and are investigating.