- By Chetna Shree
- Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Madhya Pradesh: A 40-year-old Anganwadi cook died while saving nearly 20 children from a sudden bee attack in Ranpur village, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon while the children were playing outside the centre.
Acting quickly, she wrapped the children in floor mats and tarpaulin to shield them from the bee attack before moving them safely inside the room. While she was attempting to protect nearly 20 children, she was stung multiple times during the rescue and was declared dead.
40-Year-Old Anganwadi Cook Saves 20 Children From Bee Attack
According to an NDTV report, the incident occurred on Monday at an Anganwadi centre in Ranpur village under the Madavada Panchayat, when a massive swarm of bees suddenly descended on children playing outside.
Acting promptly, the centre’s cook, Kanchan Bai Meghwal, immediately grabbed nearby tarpaulins and mats to shield the children from the attack, wrapping them before moving them to safety inside the building.
As she stood between the swarm and the children, the bees turned on her, stinging her repeatedly. By the time villagers arrived for help, Kanchan Bai had already collapsed. Constable Kalunath and pilot Rajesh Rathore rushed her to the Community Health Centre, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Kanchan Bai Was Sole Breadwinner For The Family
According to the NDTV report, Kanchan Bai was not just an Anganwadi worker. She cooked midday meals for the children, was the president of the Jai Mata Di Self-Help Group and the sole breadwinner of her family. Kanchan Bai’s husband, Shivlal, is paralysed. She leaves behind a son and two daughters.
When Kanchan Bai’s body was brought to Ranpur village after a post-mortem on Tuesday, residents gathered in a silent, solemn salute to a woman whose courage defied description.
Villagers Fear Another Attack, Demand Action
A sense of fear still persists in the village, as a large beehive remains hanging from a tree near the Anganwadi centre, situated right beside the community's only handpump. Terrified of another such attack, residents have stopped fetching water and are now demanding the immediate removal of the beehive, along with financial assistance for the deceased family.