10-Month-Old Girl Drowns in Water Bucket at Bhopal Home, Police Term It Accidental Death

According to police, the infant slipped into the bathroom while playing and fell headfirst into a bucket that had been filled with water. She remained unnoticed for nearly 10 minutes. By the time her mother found her, the child had lost consciousness and her face had turned blue.

The child was immediately rushed to Hamidia Hospital by her parents, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The deceased was the younger child of Karan Singh Jatav, who lives in the flat with his wife, their five-year-old son, and the infant. Family members said the mother was in the kitchen at the time of the incident and believed the baby was playing nearby.

Sandeep, the child’s maternal uncle, told police that when the baby was not seen for several minutes, the mother asked her elder son about his sister’s whereabouts. When he said he did not know, she searched the house and found the child in the bathroom, partially inside the bucket, with her head submerged in water and her feet facing upwards.

Police from Shahjahanabad police station reached the spot soon after being informed. The body was taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination. On Thursday, after the autopsy was conducted, the body was handed over to the family for last rites.

A senior police official said a case of accidental death has been registered under relevant provisions, and a detailed inquiry is underway. “At this stage, there is no indication of foul play. However, we are investigating the incident from all angles,” the official said.

A forensic team also visited the house to examine the scene and collect preliminary information. Police said detailed statements of the family members are yet to be recorded and will be taken as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of household water storage for infants and toddlers. Medical experts note that even a small quantity of water can pose a fatal risk to young children, particularly when containers are left uncovered and unattended.

Police have appealed to parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and ensure basic safety measures at home to prevent such tragedies.