Heartbreak enveloped Tigra village in Ranchi when a wedding’s merriment gave way to devastation. Two elderly guests, last seen at the celebrations, were discovered lifeless in a hazardous farm well at sunrise, shattering the festive atmosphere.
Identifying the victims: Bathan Bhagat and Punei Oraon of Jarhia (Bedo police area). They attended the spirited ‘Cheka’ event hosted by Dasu Oraon under Ratu station. Nightlong revelry featured tribal dances and songs, dispersing guests past midnight.
Neither elder reached home, prompting urgent searches by dawn. Villagers’ efforts culminated at a nearby agricultural well—two bodies afloat, confirmed as the missing pair from the wedding.
Police from Ratu responded promptly, securing the scene, recovering the bodies via panchayat procedures, and sending them for postmortem at RIMS. Chameli, Punei’s daughter, initiated proceedings with a UD case filing.
Theories center on post-party wandering in darkness, leading unwittingly to the railing-free well. Its depth concealed it fatally. Though accidental drowning appears probable, thorough probes and medical reports will clarify.
Parallel to a tragic 2024 incident in Lohardaga’s Tan Makra, where four lives were lost similarly, this underscores urgent needs for well fortifications. Community leaders urge swift governmental intervention to safeguard rural lives.