Death of 5-year-old child: Kerala Human Rights panel orders probe into park tragedy; protests erupt

Kochi: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) on Friday directed the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to conduct a detailed inquiry into the death of a five-year-old boy who fell into a marshy area at a jungle park in Pazhanganad, Kochi.

Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas registered a case suo motu based on media reports and instructed the Ernakulam District Collector to ensure a comprehensive probe by the RDO.

The Commission has asked the inquiry to examine whether adequate safety measures were in place at the park to prevent such incidents and whether the facility held valid licences from the panchayat and other concerned authorities. It has also sought an assessment of steps taken to prevent recurrence of similar accidents.

The RDO has been directed to submit the report within three weeks. The Kizhakkambalam panchayat secretary has also been instructed to file a report in the same time frame, specifically verifying the park’s licensing status and detailing actions taken by the panchayat following the incident.

Child identified, search led to swamp discovery

The deceased has been identified as Muhammed Adam, a native of Chengalam South in Kottayam district.

On April 21, Adam had visited Lions Jungle Park, described as an outdoor children’s entertainment and nature park, along with students from a pre-school in Palarivattom.

During lunchtime, when teachers gathered the children, Adam was found missing. A search was launched with police assistance, following which he was located in a swampy area. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.

The Commission has also sought details including the parents’ address, confirmation of whether a police case has been registered, and the post-mortem report.

Protests and hearing scheduled

Local residents and political organisations have staged strong protests, alleging inadequate safety arrangements at the park. The opposition councillors also staged a protest in front of the Kizhakkambalam panchayat office, which is governed by the Twenty20 party, a political outfit backed by the Kitex Group.

The Commission has directed both the RDO and the panchayat secretary to appear before it at a sitting scheduled at the PWD Rest House in Kalamassery on May 19.