Published on - 6/23/2003
The 60ft -deep drinking water well in the general area of Vadaliyadappu, Jaffna remains as mysterious as ever before after it took the life of the seven year old Yasodaran Vishwalingam on Sunday (22) while his parents were out. The well remained unprotected and used by several families in the premises.
Beloved mother Ganeshwari, who was out of home for purchase of some daily needs did not know the fate befell his darling idol who was playing outside home until some of his friends came home, seeking whereabouts of their school-mate on that fateful day.Unaware of his beloved one\'s tragedy, the emotionally moved and feared mother, shouted and screamed calling his name but to no avail. Tension grew by seconds. As inquisitive neighbours began assembling inside her compound, an uncle of the victim, on suspicion peeped into the well nearby and found the child inside desperately struggling for his life. Desperate and panic- stricken uncle ran towards the Army soldiers at nearby camp and pleaded for help while some neighbours simultaneously tried to rescue the child using their own methods.
In response, soldiers reacted promptly and hurried to the spot with bundles of climbing ropes, began entering into the well within seconds using ropes, salvaged the unconscious victim and brought him out alive but to meet with little success.
The child was rushed to the Chankanai hospital on an Army vehicle but was pronounced dead on admission. Weeping cries of parents and next of kin of the victim rent the air at the hospital compound while the Police recorded statements of parents. Funeral arrangements are also to be helped by the Army. Grief stricken parents of the deceased appreciated the Army\'s humanitarian assistance and thanked those soldiers who came forward in time of their tragedy.
