Body of missing railway employee is recovered from pond in Dhanbad

Dhanbad: Panic gripped the Lokon Tank area under the Dhanbad police station on Monday after the body of a man was recovered from the Pampu Talab (pond). The deceased was later identified as Birbal, a railway employee, whose sudden death sent shockwaves through the locality.

According to information, Birbal was missing since Sunday night. His body was recovered from the pond on Monday morning, following which local residents immediately informed the police. The incident drew a large crowd to the spot, creating an atmosphere of tension in the area.


Local people and eyewitnesses said that Birbal was habitual to consuming alcohol. On Sunday night, he was reportedly heavily intoxicated and went towards the pond to relieve himself. It is suspected that due to excessive intoxication, he lost his balance and slipped into the deep waters of the pond. Unable to save himself, he is believed to have drowned.

Family members stated that Birbal did not return home on Sunday night, causing concern among them. On Monday morning, they lodged a written missing complaint at the Dhanbad police station. While the police were initiating a search, they received information about a body floating in Pampu Talab. Acting swiftly, the police rushed to the spot and, with the help of local residents, retrieved the body from the pond.

The family members were called to the scene for identification, following which they confirmed the deceased as Birbal. Dhanbad police station ASI Sudhir Singh said that prima facie it appears that Birbal came to the pond for answering nature’s call when he accidentally slipped and fell into the water.

“The body was sent for post-mortem examination. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report is received,” ASI Singh said, adding that further investigation is underway.

Police initiated proceedings under the relevant sections and are examining all aspects related to the incident. The sudden death left the family in deep grief, while residents of the area are demanding safety measures around open water bodies to prevent such incidents in future.