Patna, June 1 (IANS) A 12-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic accident in the Phulwarisharif area of Patna after a saree allegedly became entangled around his neck while he was attempting to make a swing during a play session in a field, officials and family members said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Aditya Kumar, a resident of Majhauli Musahari village under Manpur Anda Panchayat in the Phulwarisharif block.

His sudden death on Saturday has cast a pall of gloom over the village. The family is struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking incident.

According to villagers, Aditya had gone to nearby fields on Saturday morning along with a group of children to graze goats, a routine activity he reportedly undertook regularly.

While spending time in the fields, the children were playing when the accident occurred. Preliminary information suggests that Aditya attempted to create a makeshift swing using a saree by tying it to a tree branch.

Speaking to IANS, a family member described the sequence of events and the shock that followed the discovery.

“The child had gone swinging there, but the saree tightened around his neck. There was no one present at the spot. Later, a person arrived and saw the boy hanging. He informed others, and we all rushed there,” the family member said.

The relative added that the family was still trying to understand how the accident took place, as the children frequently visited the area and often played there together.

“We don’t know how it happened. He used to go there every day. The children used to play there every day. His neck was entangled in the saree while he was attempting to make a swing,” Aditya’s aunt said.

Police officials said that, according to preliminary findings, the boy was carrying a saree and was playing with his friends when he tried to tie it to a tree branch to prepare a swing.

During the process, the cloth allegedly got wrapped around his neck, leading to severe injuries. Investigators believe the incident was accidental, though all aspects are being examined as part of the inquiry.

Officials further stated that the children accompanying Aditya reportedly became frightened after witnessing the incident and immediately ran back to the village to alert family members and other residents.

Upon receiving the information, villagers and relatives rushed to the field in an effort to help the child. However, by the time they reached the spot, Aditya had already succumbed to his injuries.

Police said necessary procedures are being carried out, and further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.

–IANS

sd/