BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th July 2025: A seven-year-old boy from Bilai Ham in Uttar Gokulnagar, under Teliamura Subdivision of Khowai district, died of malaria on Saturday, triggering outrage among villagers and family members who blamed the local ASHA worker for gross negligence.
The child, identified as the son of Bhagirath Reang, had reportedly been suffering from high fever for five to six days. Despite repeated pleas from the family, the area’s Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) allegedly failed to respond or visit the residence.
According to the family, they tried contacting the ASHA worker multiple times seeking basic medical support or assistance in transporting the child to the hospital. However, no help arrived. With limited financial means, the family could not afford the estimated Rs 1,000–1,500 required for private transportation to reach the Teliamura Subdivisional Hospital.
The situation turned critical on Saturday, prompting the family to somehow arrange transport and rush the child to the hospital. Doctors immediately conducted blood tests, which confirmed the presence of malaria parasites. Considering the seriousness of the case, the boy was referred to GBP Hospital in Agartala for advanced care.
Tragically, the child’s condition deteriorated en route. Near Tui Chindrai, around 5–6 km from Teliamura, he became unresponsive. The ambulance turned back and rushed him to Teliamura Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Speaking to reporters, the on-duty physician confirmed that the child had been running a high fever for several days and tested positive for malaria. “We referred him to a higher facility, but unfortunately, he died on the way,” the doctor said.
The incident has sparked grief and anger in the local community. Villagers, along with the bereaved family, have filed a formal complaint against the ASHA worker, accusing her of negligence that allegedly led to the child’s death.
