In a deeply disturbing incident, four minor girls lost their lives after consuming a poisonous substance in Moti Bigha village of Aurangabad district. A fifth girl, aged 14, survived and has shared her account of the events that unfolded on January 29.
According to the survivor, the five friends went to a secluded field and consumed a substance allegedly used to kill herons. “My friend said, ‘let’s eat it and see if we will live or die’. They swallowed it with water. I had very little and spat it out immediately,” she reportedly told authorities.
Soon after, the four girls, aged between 12 and 15, collapsed. Terrified, the survivor rushed home. Her family made her drink a neem-based solution to induce vomiting before taking her for medical attention.
Police probe multiple angles
Police, however, have indicated a different possible motive. Daudnagar SDPO Ashok Kumar Das stated that preliminary investigation suggested the girls had been scolded by their parents after being seen with boys during Saraswati Puja. Officials suspect the act may have been driven by emotional distress.
The father of one of the deceased girls, who had returned from Maharashtra, rejected the suggestion of a “love-related” motive, questioning how such young girls could be involved in such matters.
Due to financial hardship and social pressure, the families cremated the four girls together without waiting for extended procedures.
Survivor relocated, investigation continues
For security reasons, the surviving girl has been moved to a relative’s home. Police have recorded her statement and said investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities have appealed to parents and communities to foster open communication with children and seek timely support during emotional crises.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please reach out to a trusted adult, counsellor, or mental health professional immediately.