A 15‑year‑old Class‑8 student, Mithun, who fell into an open drain while chasing a kite in Jasola, Delhi, was recovered more than 72 hours later. His father entered the sewage‑filled drain himself, and a multi‑agency operation finally located the body. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief and ordered a probe.
- Mithun’s body recovered after 72 hours
- Father jumped into the drain to search
- Search involved DFS, NDRF, DDMA and local divers
Background of the Incident
On August 22 at around 11 a.m., 15‑year‑old Mithun, a Class‑8 student, slipped into an open drain in Jasola, South‑East Delhi while chasing a kite. His family immediately alerted the police and the Delhi Fire Services (DFS).
Search Operations
DFS received a distress call at 11:54 a.m. and dispatched two fire tenders. After 60 hours of fruitless searching, the operation expanded to include the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and divers from a local boat club.
Local residents staged protests on August 22, blocking traffic and demanding a faster, better‑equipped search. They alleged that authorities were relying on simple poles despite having proper rescue gear.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the incident underscores serious deficiencies in urban drainage safety and inter‑agency coordination in Delhi. The prolonged delay intensified the family’s trauma and triggered a public call for stricter safeguards.
"Open drains must be regularly inspected and fortified with barriers; otherwise, tragedies like this will repeat," said urban planning expert Dr. Ajay Singh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a long‑term plan to secure the drain?
A: The Delhi government has acknowledged the demand for a boundary wall around the drain and promised swift action.
Q2: Which agencies participated in the rescue?
A: The operation involved Delhi Fire Services, the National Disaster Response Force, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, and local boat club divers.
