Jagatsinghpur: Forgetful workers of a government-run anganwadi centre in Jagatsinghpur district allegedly locked up the centre building while leaving a four-year-old kid inside it on Thursday.

The kid spent nearly an hour in confinement before local residents heard his screams and came to his rescue by unbolting the room.

The bizarre incident occurred on Thursday at Bagasahi anganwadi centre in Jagannathpur gram panchayat area in Raghunathpur block of the district.

District social welfare department authorities admitted serious lapse on part of the anganwadi centre workers.

"It was a very unfortunate incident. It was sheer irresponsible behaviour on part of the anganwadi worker and her assistant. Both of them have been served showcause notice. They would be suspended," said district social welfare officer, Sabita Bag.

The inquiring team found veracity of the incident and held both of them responsible for it.

However, she said that the room was bolted inadvertently.

The child's father Chandan Kumar Das said: "We desperately searched for him as he did not return home. As I rushed towards the anganwadi centre, I could hear my son screaming. I alerted the villagers, who rushed to rescue my son unlocking the Anganwadi centre's door."

"When we brought him out, he was in a state of shock. He was severely dehydrating. Anything could have happened if his were confined for longer," he said.