Agarala, May 19: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today met the parents of the children who tragically died after drowning in a pit at Chanmari area yesterday and extended financial help to the bereaved family.

This afternoon, the Chief Minister along with transport minister Sushanta Chowdhury visited the house of the deceased siblings in the Jirania area and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

In an unexpected incident, Krishna Debnath's son Prasenjit Debnath (11) and daughter Priyanka Debnath (07) drowned to death. They were missing since Saturday. The floating bodies were recovered on Sunday.

Later, Dr. Saha said that a person dug a pit there for personal use. The pit was filled with rainwater and submersible water, and the two siblings—Prasenjit and Priyanka—went to play there.

“They drowned in the water while trying to save each other. Initially, their family was not informed. They often used to go there to play. Although their ancestral home is in Jirania, they had built a new home in Chanmari. And that's where this painful incident happened. Everyone is saddened to hear this tragic news. This loss cannot be expressed in words. After receiving information about the incident yesterday, I asked the District Magistrate to inquire. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate and other officials went there. The CCTV footage was reviewed, and a preliminary report was submitted to me. The father of the deceased children, Krishna Debnath, is a daily wage labourer,” said Dr. Saha.

He further stated that a total of Rs 8 lakh in financial assistance from the state government and the Disaster Management department was handed over to the bereaved family.

“In addition, efforts will be made to explore what support can be extended by the government for the eldest daughter of the affected family, who is now studying in Class 12. In this regard, local MLA and Minister Sushanta Chowdhury will take the necessary measures,” said Dr. Saha.

West Tripura District Magistrate Dr.  Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.