A 40-year-old woman died after attempting to shield children from a sudden bee attack at an Anganwadi centre in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Ranpur village, under the Madawada Panchayat.

Kanchan Bai Meghwal, the head of a self-help group responsible for preparing meals at the centre, wrapped children in available tarpaulin and floor mats to protect them from the bees and moved them to safety inside a room. In the process, she was stung multiple times by the bees. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition, where she was declared dead upon arrival.

Children Were Playing Outside When Bees Attacked

On Monday around noon, children enrolled at the Anganwadi centre were playing outside the facility as part of their daily routine. A swarm of bees suddenly descended near the premises, creating panic among the staff and children.

Kanchan Bai, present at the site, acted swiftly and wrapped the children in tarpaulin and mats that were available nearby. She reportedly placed herself between the children and the bees, absorbing the brunt of the attack. Local residents rushed to the spot to help, but by the time they arrived, Kanchan Bai had already been stung numerous times.

She was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment but did not survive. Her body was handed over to family members after a postmortem examination on Tuesday.

Family Dependent on Her Income

Residents of the village stated that Kanchan Bai was the president of the ‘Jai Mata Di’ self-help group and was responsible for preparing meals at the Anganwadi centre. Her husband, Shivlal, is paralysed and unable to work, making Kanchan Bai the sole breadwinner for the family.

The couple has three children, one son and two daughters. Her sudden death has left the family in a state of distress, both emotionally and financially.

Community Appeals for Administrative Support

Following the incident, villagers have expressed concern about the safety of the Anganwadi centre. A beehive is located on a tree within close proximity to the facility, raising fears of similar incidents. The only functional handpump in the area, used by the entire village for daily water needs, is situated near the same tree.

Residents have urged the district administration to remove the beehive immediately to prevent future danger. They have also appealed for financial assistance to be provided to Kanchan Bai’s family, given their vulnerable situation.

Separate Incident of Bee Attack in Shahdol

In a similar incident reported from Shahdol district, a 60-year-old man died and 13 others were injured in a bee attack. The family had recently returned from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh and was performing a havan at home, which led to smoke that agitated a beehive nearby. The victim, identified as Prem Lal Kol, tried to escape but fell while running and was surrounded by bees.

Efforts are ongoing across several regions to manage such risks in residential and childcare areas.”

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share