A boy drowned after falling into a water-filled excavation for an unfinished drainage project in Kumarkhali on Monday afternoon.

The deceased was identified as Md Ifat, 6, son of Kamrul Hasan of Elangi area 3 of Kumarkhali Municipality. He was a class one student of Baitul Ulum Islamia Cadet Madrasa.

According to police and family members, Ifat went out around 3 pm with his cousin Samad, 11, to graze goats. When he did not return home, relatives began searching for him.

Around 4 pm, they found his sandals beside the under-construction drain in front of Manik Sheikh’s house and recovered him from the water.

He was taken to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Locals said the municipality had undertaken a 500-metre drainage project from Manik Sheikh’s house to the Gorai River about a year ago. Although the excavation was completed before the last monsoon, the construction work had not started, leaving a deep waterlogged ditch.

They alleged that negligence by the contractor and the authorities led to the child’s death and demanded punishment for those responsible.

The tragedy left the area in mourning. Ifat’s mother, Sharmin Akter, was inconsolable, while his father fell ill and was admitted to the health complex.

Contractor Liton Ali said he was overseeing the drainage work but claimed he was unaware of the incident.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Farzana Akhter said action would be taken if negligence by the contractor is found.

Officer-in-Charge of Kumarkhali Police Station Jamal Uddin said legal action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.