Ten Children Die in Ashrams, Hostels in 2024

Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh has witnessed a grim year in 2024, with ten children losing their lives in ashrams and hostels across the district.

Of these, eight deaths were attributed to illness, one to suicide, and one to a fire incident. These tragic incidents have put the ashram-hostel system under intense scrutiny, raising serious concerns about the quality of facilities, food, and safety measures provided to children.

Investigations spanning nearly a year have failed to yield conclusive results, leaving families and activists demanding accountability. Most deaths were linked to illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and food poisoning, highlighting lapses in hygiene and nutrition. Critics argue that with better facilities and proper care, many of these deaths could have been prevented.

The specific cases of tragedy as reported are

• February 27: Xavier Kujur (13), a Class 7 student, allegedly died by suicide at Pre-Matric Boys Hostel, Cheragangi,

• March 6: A four-year-old girl, Lipsa, died in a fire at Potakabin, Timgapur.