Four-year-old boy found dead in open septic tank in Bhopal

A four-year-old boy, Jainul Pathan, who went missing from his home in Bhopal's Nishatpura area on Friday evening, was found dead in an under-construction septic tank on Saturday. The tank, about five feet deep and filled with rainwater, was left uncovered. Police suspect the child drowned.

Jainul, a kindergarten student, had moved to Bhopal from Raisen district with his family about a month ago. He was playing near his house when he disappeared. The family lodged a missing-person report at Nishatpura police station. One slipper was found outside the tank, the other inside.

Police said the house owner had the pit dug four months ago for a septic tank but left it open. A case of accidental death has been registered, and officials said a case of death due to negligence will be filed against the owner. An investigation is underway.