A heartbreaking incident from Deogarh district, Odisha, has left many shaken after a five-year-old boy spent an entire freezing night alone in a forest, guarding his parents after they allegedly consumed pesticide following a domestic dispute.
Police said the child’s parents, Dushmant Majhi and Rinki, residents of Jianantapali village under the Kundheigola police station limits, were returning home on a motorcycle when the incident occurred. They reportedly stopped by the roadside, walked nearly a kilometre into a forested area, and consumed a poisonous substance.
According to Dhiraj Chopdar, Dushmant died within an hour, while Rinki fell unconscious. Their young son remained beside them throughout the night in bone-chilling cold. At daybreak, the boy walked back to the road and pleaded with passersby for help, leading authorities to the spot.
Rinki was rushed to a hospital in neighbouring Angul district, where she later died during treatment. Police confirmed that the child had also been administered pesticide by his parents but survived. After preliminary medical care, he was handed over to his grandparents and is reported to be in stable health.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over domestic distress, mental health support, and child safety in vulnerable situations