The state government in Kolkata has granted Rs 4 lakh in financial aid to the family of a child who tragically passed away when a light from a lamp post fell on her in the central Kolkata area of Hastings. The six-year-old girl, Gudiya Khatun, was playing under a flyover where a light from a ‘high mast’ lamp post struck her head, causing serious injuries. Despite being rushed to SSKM Hospital, she was declared dead upon arrival.
Following Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s directives, Maniktala BJP MLA Tapas Roy presented a Rs 4 lakh check to the deceased child’s father, S.K. Feroz, with the presence of Behala Paschim MLA Indranil Khan and police officials. The incident has sparked allegations of negligence in the maintenance of street lights, as locals and the family pointed out deficiencies in the lamp post’s upkeep.
The tragic accident occurred as the child was playing under the lamp post, a routine activity for her, when the light fixture suddenly detached and struck her head. The family highlighted that the fallen light had inadequate nut attachments, raising concerns about the overall maintenance of such lamp posts in the area. Local police are actively investigating the incident, with the site cordoned off for further examination.
The Hastings area, where the incident took place, is densely populated with nearby shanties, leading to frequent gatherings of residents on footpaths. Such circumstances increase the risk of accidents, especially involving children playing in the streets. The community is mourning the loss of the young girl and demanding accountability for the safety lapses that led to this tragic event.
