8-Year-Old Student Drowns in Well After Mid-Day Meal in Jharkhand

In a heartbreaking event, an eight-year-old student named Suraj Manjhi lost his life in Khunti, Jharkhand. The student, attending the Rajyikrit Kanya Madhya Vidyalaya, had just finished his mid-day meal and was seeking water. Due to a non-functional hand pump at the school, students often went to a nearby well to drink water. Tragically, while at the well, Suraj slipped and fell in, leading to his demise. School officials attempted a rescue, but were unsuccessful. The District Education Superintendent has ordered an investigation into the incident and has instructed that strict action be taken against those responsible. This incident highlights the lack of proper water facilities and safety measures in the school. Prior to this, a similar incident occurred in June 2025 in the Murhu police station area, where two minor children died after falling into an under-construction well while playing.