Tragedy struck in Haridwar as superstition led to the demise of a five-year-old child suffering from a terminal illness. The parents, hopeful of a miraculous cure, immersed the child in the Ganges repeatedly, inadvertently causing his death. The incident unfolded at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, where a family from Delhi arrived with their ailing child on Wednesday, accompanied by another family member.
In a misguided attempt to seek healing, the parents took the child for a ritualistic dip in the sacred river. Shockingly, the child lost his life during this ritual. A video from the scene captures a woman, presumably a family member, sitting beside the lifeless child. Onlookers express condemnation, while the woman, exhibiting a half-crazed demeanor, confidently asserts, "This child will stand up. That is my promise."
Authorities were alerted, and the police promptly arrived at the location. The child was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
According to Superintendent of Police (City) Swatantra Kumar Singh, the couple had brought their son, diagnosed with blood cancer, to Haridwar for the ritualistic Ganges dip. The child's parents disclosed that they had previously consulted doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who, unfortunately, had given up on the child.
In a manifestation of unwavering faith, the family sought a cure in Haridwar, believing in the healing powers of the Ganges. However, locals present at the site grew suspicious of the family's actions, leading to a commotion. Allegations were made that the family intentionally drowned the child.
The taxi driver who transported the family from Delhi to Haridwar revealed that the child appeared unwell from the beginning of the journey. By the time they reached Haridwar, the child's condition had deteriorated significantly. The family discussed the child's declining health and their intention to bathe him in the Ganges.
A case has been registered by the police, and investigations into the incident are currently underway. This tragic occurrence underscores the consequences of blindly adhering to superstitions, prompting a reevaluation of societal beliefs and practices.
