Two children drown in open pit; case of culpable homicide registered

The Latur Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has suspended two employees and a case of culpable homicide has been registered after two children drowned in an open pit used for collecting wastewater, officials said.The incident happened in Bodhe Nagar area of Ward No 16 on Sunday, sparking massive outrage among local residents.Divya Ubale and Kartik Kamble apparently entered the pit, filled with water, on Sunday afternoon to retrieve a ball.

The Latur Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has suspended two employees and a case of culpable homicide has been registered after two children drowned in an open pit used for collecting wastewater, officials said.

The incident happened in Bodhe Nagar area of Ward No 16 on Sunday, sparking massive outrage among local residents.

Divya Ubale and Kartik Kamble apparently entered the pit, filled with water, on Sunday afternoon to retrieve a ball. Unaware of the depth, both children drowned on the spot.

The pit belonged to the municipal corporation and was being used to collect wastewater from nearby houses. After its protective covering collapsed, it remained open and unattended, officials said.

Local residents had reportedly submitted a written complaint to the administration in 2025, demanding that the pit either be filled or secured with safety measures.

Police registered a case on Monday against four persons for allegedly digging the pit illegally.

The administration suspended sanitation inspector Santosh Randive and Zonal officer Santosh Ladlapure for alleged negligence following protests.

Further probe is on.