Tripura CM offers financial aid to grieving family after tragedy

By  Firstdespatch Desk   May 19, 2025

Agartala, May 19 (FD) In a heart-wrenching tragedy, two minor siblings, Prasenjit Debnath (11) and Priyanka Debnath (7), drowned in a water-filled construction pit in the Purba Chandmari area of Agartala, Tripura.

The children, who went missing while playing near their home on Saturday, were found dead the next day in a shallow, waterlogged pit dug by a private construction firm for a water pump installation near a local school.

The grieving parents, Krishna Debnath and his wife Pratima Debnath, both daily wage earners, blamed the unprotected pit for the tragic death of their innocent children. Locals expressed outrage at the gross negligence of the construction company, which reportedly left the pit uncovered and without any warning signs or safety barriers.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, accompanied by Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and other officials, visited the family’s home in Jirania and handed over a cheque of ₹8 lakh as initial government assistance. In a heartfelt message, the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow and assured continued support to the bereaved family.

CPI(M) leaders Jiten Chowdhury and Sankar Prasad Datta also visited the site and demanded strict action against those responsible. Former BJP MLA Dr. Dilip Das and local leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to ensure safety in ongoing constructions. FD SB JK