In a deeply distressing incident, a six-year-old boy died after accidentally consuming a concentrated cleaning chemical at his residence in Chandigarh earlier this week.
The child, Ruhaan, had reportedly mistaken a bottle of liquid bleach—commonly referred to as caustic soda—for drinking water while playing inside his home on February 6. The bottle had been placed on a wall shelf.
According to family members, Ruhaan's mother, Nagma, was preparing food at the time. The child reached for the bottle and consumed the substance, unaware of the danger. Within a short time, his condition deteriorated.
His father, Gulsher Kassar, a labourer working in Chandigarh, immediately rushed him to hospital. Despite several days of treatment, doctors were unable to save him. Ruhaan succumbed to severe internal injuries on Monday.
Medical professionals stated that the corrosive chemical caused extensive damage to his internal organs, leading to complications that proved fatal.
Ruhaan's body was later taken to his family home in the Shahi Masjid area of Neendaru village in Bijnor district, where he was laid to rest on Tuesday. The incident has left relatives and neighbours in shock, mourning the untimely loss of a young life.
Family members reportedly did not inform the police about the incident.
The tragic case underscores the importance of safely storing cleaning agents and hazardous chemicals out of children's reach. Experts advise that such substances should always be kept in clearly labelled containers and secured in locked cabinets to prevent accidental ingestion.
The loss has deeply affected the family, serving as a painful reminder of how quickly everyday household items can turn dangerous if not handled with caution.