5 year old suffers burn injuries at Bengal Anganwadi Centre, family alleges negligence

Kolkata: 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 locals, who accused the authorities of negligence.

According to residents, the child was at the anganwadi centre when the incident occurred. They alleged that neither the designated cook nor any teacher was present at the centre at the time. Locals claimed that a representative was simultaneously managing the children, teaching them, and preparing food.

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The child’s family said he sustained severe burn injuries 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.

“The centre did not even arrange treatment for our child. After getting the news, we rushed him to the hospital,” the child’s father said.

Following the incident, a group of residents gathered outside the anganwadi centre and protested, alleging negligence by those responsible for the safety of children. They demanded a detailed investigation and strict action against those found responsible.

Police reached the spot to control the situation and have started an investigation. Officials are also examining whether proper safety measures and child protection guidelines were being followed at the centre.

Some locals flagged the recurrence of such incidents and questioned the safety measures at the centre. “This is the fifth such incident in the last couple of months. Why are such incidents happening repeatedly at this centre? We want stern action against the teachers and cooks,” a local resident said, reports The Indian Express.

The investigation will determine the circumstances leading to the accident and whether any negligence contributed to the child’s injuries.

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