Anganwadi Cook Dies Saving 20 Children from Bee Attack in Neemuch Village

Neemuch: In an act of extraordinary courage, an anganwadi cook in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district sacrificed her life while saving around 20 children from a massive bee attack in Ranpur village.

The deceased, Kanchan Bai Meghwal, worked at an anganwadi centre under Madhavada panchayat. According to villagers, a swarm of bees suddenly attacked while children were playing nearby on Monday. Without thinking of her own safety, Kanchan Bai rushed to shield the children.

Wrapped children in mats to protect them

Witnesses said she used a tarpaulin sheet and mats to cover the children and quickly moved them inside the anganwadi centre. In the process, she bore the full force of the swarm. The bees stung her hundreds of times as she continued ensuring the children were safe.

Moments later, she collapsed inside the premises. Villagers rushed to the spot after learning of the incident and found her unconscious. Police personnel assisted in taking her to the community health centre, where doctors declared her dead. Her body bore countless sting marks, underscoring the severity of the attack.

Sole breadwinner of the family

Kanchan Bai was known in the village not only as an anganwadi worker but also as a caregiver who cooked meals for children. She was president of a local self-help group and the sole earning member of her family. Her husband, Shivlal, is paralysed, and she is survived by a son and two daughters.

When her body reached the village after postmortem, residents gathered with tearful eyes to pay tribute to her bravery.

Fear grips village

The incident has left the village in fear. The bee attack reportedly occurred near the only handpump in the area, and residents are now afraid to approach it for water. Villagers have demanded immediate removal of the beehive and financial assistance for Kanchan Bai’s family.

Her sacrifice has sparked widespread grief and admiration, with locals calling her a hero who gave her life to protect children.