Overview
- Villagers who climbed into the old uncovered well to save a trapped calf were pulled out after a nearly three-hour multi-agency rescue and taken to hospital where all four were declared dead.
- The deceased have been identified as Monu, Dalbir, Narender and a migrant labourer named Ramu, and the calf also died in the incident.
- Police and rescue teams from Jhajjar district suspect inhalation of toxic or poisonous gas accumulated inside the confined well as the cause, with post-mortem and forensic tests pending to confirm it.
- A Sub-Inspector who joined the rescue, Rajesh Kumar, fell ill during the operation and was admitted to hospital in stable condition while villagers have accused officials of a delayed response and demanded an inquiry.
- Officials say abandoned wells of this age can trap hazardous fumes in confined spaces, and authorities have pledged financial assistance and job support for the victims’ families while investigators examine safety and response failures.