Five-year-old spends freezing night in forest after parents consume pesticide following domestic dispute in Odisha

A five-year-old boy survived a horrifying night alone in a forest in Odisha’s Deogarh district, staying beside his dead father and unconscious mother in bone-chilling cold before walking out at daybreak to seek help. The incident came to light on Sunday morning when the child was seen on a road near the forest asking passersby for help.

Police said the incident involved Dushmant Majhi and his wife Rinki Majhi, residents of Jianantapali village under the Kundheigola police station area. The couple allegedly consumed pesticide after a domestic dispute while returning home on a motorcycle.

According to the police, the couple parked their motorcycle by the roadside and walked around one kilometre into a forested area. There, they allegedly consumed a poisonous substance along with their young son.

Child stayed with parents through the night

Dushmant Majhi died within an hour of consuming the pesticide, while his wife fell unconscious. Their five-year-old son remained with them throughout the night, alone in the forest and exposed to severe cold.

After sunrise, the child walked back to the road and approached people passing by, seeking help. Locals then alerted the authorities.

"While Dushmant died within an hour, his wife Rinki fell unconscious. The little son watched them lying on the ground. The boy guarded his parents all night and sought help from people by coming to the road after sunrise," Deogarh Additional Superintendent of Police Dhiraj Chopdar told PTI over the phone.

Mother dies during treatment, child survives

Police said Rinki Majhi was rushed to Chhendipada hospital in neighbouring Angul district, where she later died during treatment. The child, who was also reportedly given the pesticide, survived.

"The child was in good health and handed over to his grandparents after preliminary treatment," he said.

The police said they are continuing their investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

(Source: PTI)