Boy drowns in nala, case booked against contractor

The body of a sevenyear-old boy who fell into an open nala and drowned, was retrieved out after two hours of search and rescue on Saturday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Anand Sai alias Chinnu (7), a second class student.

According to Bowenpally police, at around 9.40 am, Anand who was playing in the neighbourhood fell into the Chinna Thokatta nala in Bowenpally. His parents were informed. After searching for some time, his family informed Bowenpally police around 10.30 am.

Speaking to the media, Chandrakala, mother of Anand, said “One of our neighbours saw when my son fell in the nala. He immediately informed my husband who jumped into the water to rescue him but in vain. For some time his hands were visible to us. If authorities had acted swiftly my son would be alive now.”

She added although they had informed authorities regarding the neglect of precautionary measures, they remained silent.

“We sought help from police, Disaster Response Force (DRF), and fire officials. After two hours of search and rescue, the body was found 200 metres from the spot he had fallen,” said the Bowenpally police.

Based on a complaint by Chandrakala, the Bowenpally police booked a case against the Secunderabad Cantonment Board contractor who failed to take measures to avoid such accidents and didn’t even put sign boards.

It was a few days back that the contractor had started expansion works and didn't take proper care to erect a fence.

Meanwhile police shifted the body to Osmania General Hospital for autopsy. Further investigation is underway.

It is to be noted that last September, a 12-yearold girl Sumedha Kapuria, while riding a bicycle, fell into an open drain in Deendayalnagar under Neredmet police station limits and died. She was found dead in Banda Cheru on Friday.