Read how Anganwadi Cook Kanchan Bai’s heroic sacrifice saved 20 children from bee attack
Harvinder Kaur
Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), February 7, 2026: An ordinary afternoon at an anganwadi centre in Ranpur village of Neemuch district ended in tragedy and courage when a sudden swarm of bees attacked children playing outside — and a woman lost her life ensuring they survived.
Kanchan Bai Meghwal, (40) an anganwadi worker and president of the Jai Mata Di self-help group that prepares mid-day meals at the centre, rushed forward when nearly 20 children were caught in the attack. As panic spread, she grabbed mats and tarpaulin sheets from nearby and moved quickly towards the children.
According to eyewitnesses, she covered the children and guided them into an inner room of the building. She then stayed back in the open area, drawing the bees away from them.
The children reached safety. Kanchan Bai was stung repeatedly and collapsed before villagers could reach her. She was taken to hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared her brought dead. A postmortem was conducted on Tuesday before the body was handed over to the family.
Villagers said Kanchan Bai was the sole earning member of her family. Her husband, Shivalal, is paralysed, and she supported the household and the education of their son and two daughters through her income.
Residents have demanded the immediate removal of the beehive from the anganwadi premises and financial assistance for the family, saying her timely action prevented a far greater tragedy.
In Ranpur, grief now coexists with gratitude — for a woman whose final moments were spent protecting children who trusted her.