A five-year-old boy suffered severe burn injuries at an anganwadi centre in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, after allegedly spilling hot water on himself. The incident triggered protests by local residents, who accused those responsible for the centre of negligence and demanded an investigation into the circumstances.
Child Sustains Severe Burn Injuries
According to residents, the child was at the anganwadi centre when the incident occurred. Locals alleged that neither the designated cook nor any teacher was present at the centre at the time.
They claimed that a representative was simultaneously looking after the children, teaching them, and preparing food when the incident took place.
The child’s family said he suffered severe burns on his chest, arms, and other parts of his body. He was initially taken to Jiren Gacha Rural Hospital, where doctors referred him to R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata for advanced treatment.
The child is currently undergoing treatment, and his family said his condition remains extremely critical.
Family Alleges Lack of Immediate Assistance
The child’s father alleged that the anganwadi centre did not arrange treatment after the incident and that the family had to rush the child to hospital after receiving information about what had happened.
The family has raised concerns over the arrangements at the centre and the measures in place to protect children from such incidents.
Locals Stage Protest
Following the incident, residents gathered outside the anganwadi centre and staged a protest, alleging negligence by those responsible for the safety of children.
The protesters demanded a detailed investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible for the incident.
Police personnel reached the spot to control the situation and have initiated an investigation. Officials are also examining whether appropriate safety measures and child protection guidelines were being followed at the centre.
Locals Raise Concerns Over Repeated Incidents
Some residents alleged that similar incidents had occurred at the centre in the past few months and questioned the safety arrangements.
A local resident claimed that this was the fifth such incident in the last couple of months and demanded stern action against the teachers and cooks.
The ongoing investigation will establish the circumstances that led to the accident and determine whether any negligence contributed to the child’s injuries.
Important Highlights
- A five-year-old boy suffered severe burn injuries at an anganwadi centre in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas.
- The child allegedly sustained burns after spilling hot water on himself.
- His family said he suffered severe burns on his chest, arms, and other parts of his body and remains in extremely critical condition.
- Locals alleged that the designated cook and teacher were absent when the incident occurred.
- Police have initiated an investigation, while officials are examining compliance with safety and child protection guidelines.
