An 18-month-old girl's death has sparked debate after family members reportedly attempted to revive her by covering the body with salt following a drowning incident
Bagalkot: A tragic drowning incident involving an 18-month-old girl in Karnataka's Bagalkot district has brought renewed attention to a dangerous superstition circulating on social media that claims a drowned person can be revived by covering the body with salt.
The incident occurred in Navanagar, where the toddler allegedly fell into a water sump while playing. Despite efforts by family members to revive the child using a widely circulated belief involving salt, the child could not be saved. Medical experts have reiterated that there is no scientific basis for such claims and have urged the public to seek immediate emergency medical assistance in drowning cases.
18-Month-Old Girl Dies After Falling Into Water Sump
According to preliminary information, the child, identified as Amina Pathan, was playing near her residence in Sector No. 38 of Navanagar when she accidentally fell into a water sump located at a nearby house.
Family members reportedly noticed the incident only after some time, by which point the child had already drowned. Local authorities and Navanagar police visited the scene and conducted an inquiry into the incident.
The death has left the family and local residents devastated.
"The tragedy has highlighted the importance of immediate emergency response and public awareness regarding drowning incidents."
Family Attempts Salt Revival Method After Child's Death
Following the drowning, relatives reportedly refused to believe that the child had died and turned to a superstition that has periodically circulated on social media platforms.
The belief falsely claims that a drowned person can be brought back to life if the body is covered or immersed in salt for several hours.
Acting on this misinformation, family members reportedly placed the child's body in a large quantity of salt, leaving only the face uncovered. The body was kept in this condition for more than two hours near a hospital facility.
Witnesses said family members also played Quranic prayers near the child's ear while hoping for signs of revival. However, no medical improvement or movement was observed.
Doctors Explain Why Salt Cannot Revive a Drowned Person
Medical experts at the scene reportedly informed the family that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that salt can revive a person who has died due to drowning.
Doctors advised the family to discontinue the practice and proceed with the necessary medical and legal formalities.
After receiving medical counselling, the family eventually removed the body from the salt. A postmortem examination was subsequently conducted before the body was handed over for final rites.
"There is no medical or scientific basis for the belief that a deceased person can be revived by immersing the body in salt."
Health Experts Warn Against Dangerous Drowning Myths
Medical professionals stress that in cases of drowning, every minute is crucial. Immediate first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and urgent medical treatment offer the best chance of survival when administered promptly.
Experts warn that relying on unverified social media claims or superstitious practices can result in critical delays that may cost lives.
They advise the public to contact emergency services immediately and seek professional medical assistance whenever a drowning incident occurs.
Public Urged to Trust Science Over Social Media Misinformation
The Bagalkot incident has renewed concerns about the spread of misinformation through social media platforms. Authorities and healthcare professionals have urged citizens not to believe unverified claims related to medical emergencies.
Officials emphasise that drowning victims require immediate rescue efforts and professional treatment rather than unscientific remedies.
The tragedy has become a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by misinformation and the importance of relying on evidence-based medical advice during emergencies.
Background
The belief that drowned individuals can be revived by covering them with salt has circulated periodically on social media and messaging platforms in various parts of India. Medical experts have consistently rejected the claim, stating that there is no scientific evidence supporting such practices. In drowning cases, survival depends on rapid rescue, CPR when appropriate, and immediate hospitalisation.
The Bagalkot incident has once again highlighted the need for public awareness about scientifically proven emergency response methods and the risks associated with dangerous superstitions.
