Another life lost to open drain as 15-year-old boy's body found in Delhi after 4-day search

The body of 15-year-old Mithun, who fell into an open drain in southeast Delhi's Jasola while trying to retrieve a kite, was recovered on Aug 25 afternoon after more than 72 hours of search operations.

Mithun, a Class 8 student, fell into the drain on Aug 22 morning. His disappearance triggered a search operation involving the Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and other agencies.

Despite the sustained efforts, the teenager could not be traced for more than three days. His body was eventually recovered from the drain on Aug 25. It was subsequently sent for post-mortem examination.

The incident took place in Jasola village when Mithun reportedly fell into the open drain while attempting to retrieve a kite. His family, which is originally from Uttar Pradesh, lives in the area and works as daily-wage labourers.

The search operation continued through the weekend, with rescue teams examining the drain and adjoining stretches. The flow of water in the drain had posed difficulties for the rescuers during the operation.

Local residents also alleged that accumulated garbage and waste inside the drain made it harder for the rescue teams to locate and recover the teenager.

The incident had earlier drawn attention after a video purportedly showing Mithun's father, Awadhesh Kumar, entering the drain himself while searching for his son circulated on social media.

The tragedy has also led to action by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. An MCD junior engineer was suspended over alleged dereliction of duty in connection with the incident.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier directed the Chief Secretary to establish the responsibility and jurisdiction concerning the drain and sought action against officials found responsible for any lapse.

The recovery of Mithun's body brought an end to the search operation, while questions over the condition and maintenance of the open drain have also emerged following the incident.

The Jasola incident comes amid a series of recent accidents involving open drains and other unguarded infrastructure in Delhi-NCR.

In July, 20-year-old student Yashvendra Singh died after his car plunged into an open drain near Vasant Kunj's Nangal Dewat area. A subsequent report found that large portions of the drain remained uncovered, with broken or inadequate protective barriers.

Another incident in July was reported in Greater Noida where six-year-old Avyaan Surya died after falling into a rainwater-filled pit that residents said had been left without proper barricading or warning signs.

In January this year, 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died after his car plunged into a waterlogged excavation near a construction site in Noida.

The incidents have renewed concerns over exposed drains and inadequate safeguards in the capital, particularly during the monsoon when waterlogging can make such hazards difficult to identify.