A 13-year-old child died when a sword tore into his chest after it slipped from the hand of a boy who was practising with the weapon for a religious programme in Murshidabad district on Tuesday.

Ashikul Seikh, the victim, was a resident of Durgapur village under the jurisdiction of the Samserganj police station. The Class VI student was watching the practice drill at Adhikaripara under the jurisdiction of the Suti police station.

“A group of 8-10 boys aged between 15 and 18 years was practising the drill to be performed during Muharram on Wednesday. About 100 villagers were watching the
drill. Suddenly, a sword slipped from the hand of a 16-year-old boy and pierced the chest of Ashikul,” a police officer said.

Villagers said Ashikul was rushed to Shamsherganj rural hospital where he was declared brought-dead. Soon after the incident, police arrived at the spot and detained the 16-year-old boy.

Anikul Seikh, the victim’s father, said he hadn’t filed any complaint yet. “But I will lodge a complaint after I complete the formalities to get my son’s body,” he said.

The superintendent of police, Jangipur police district, said an inquiry into the incident was being carried out. “If we get any complaint, action will be taken,” said the SP.