New Delhi: A five-year-old boy suffering from blood cancer died after his parents repeatedly submerged him in the Ganges, hoping for a “miracle cure.” The incident took place at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri.
The parents, accompanied by another family member, arrived at Har Ki Pauri with their son on Wednesday.
A video from Haridwar shows a woman sitting beside the child’s body, while onlookers condemn her. The woman, seemingly in a disturbed state, is heard laughing and saying, “This child will stand up. That is my promise.”
Upon receiving the information, the police rushed to the scene and transported the child to the district hospital. However, doctors at the hospital declared the child dead. The child’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
According to Superintendent of Police (City) Swatantra Kumar Singh, the couple brought their son, who was suffering from blood cancer, to Haridwar for a dip in the Ganges River. The parents mentioned that despite consulting doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, medical professionals had given up on the child.
The family believed a dip in the Ganges would cure their child. However, locals grew suspicious of their actions, leading to a disturbance. The onlookers accused the family of drowning the child.
The taxi driver who drove the family from Delhi to Haridwar said that the child appeared unwell from the start of the journey. By the time they reached Haridwar, the child’s condition had worsened. The family discussed the child’s deteriorating health and their intention to bathe in the Ganges.
The police have officially filed a case, and further investigation into the incident is currently underway.