Daijiworld Media Network – Garhwa

Garhwa, Apr 11: A celebratory gathering turned tragic in Haraiya village of Jharkhand’s Garhwa district on Friday, after four girls drowned in a village pond while attending a newborn's Chhathi ceremony.

The victims Lado Singh (10), Ankita Singh (22), Roma Singh (18) and Meethi Singh (15) were all relatives who had come together for the six-day ceremony at the home of Chandan Singh. The girls had gone to the pond to bathe but accidentally ventured into deeper waters and were unable to return. A boy who accompanied them managed to escape and raised the alarm.

Despite villagers rushing to pull the girls out, they were declared dead on arrival at the Garhwa Sadar Hospital.

The tragedy has plunged the entire village into mourning. Former Jharkhand minister Mithilesh Thakur visited the grieving families at the hospital and expressed his condolences, calling the incident deeply distressing and promising all possible help.

What began as a joyful family celebration has ended in unspeakable sorrow for the relatives and the entire community.