In a heartbreaking incident on Thursday, a boat carrying school children and teachers capsized in Vadodara’s Harni Motnath Lake, resulting in the tragic loss of twelve young lives and two teachers. A swift rescue operation managed to save 20 individuals, but the toll stands at 14, sparking shock and grief in the community.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi provided details, stating that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident. The accused individuals are facing charges under IPC sections 304, 308, and 114. Two suspects have been apprehended, and a magisterial inquiry has been entrusted to Vadodara District Collector.
To address the aftermath, an FIR has been filed, and nine teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged financial support, offering Rs 2 Lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has matched this support, extending Rs 4 Lakhs to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the accident site at Harani Lake, overseeing relief and rescue operations. He also visited the postmortem center at SSG hospital in Vadodara, expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Eyewitness accounts are raising concerns about the safety measures during the ill-fated trip. A relative of a rescued child highlighted that the children were not provided with life jackets, and the boat, with a capacity of 12, was carrying 27 people. This has sparked questions about the adherence to safety protocols during the excursion.
Vadodara District Magistrate is set to submit a detailed report to the state government within 10 days, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Expressing grief over the incident, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it “heart-wrenching” and urged the state government to expedite relief measures. Vadodara MP Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt assured that strict action would be taken, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is actively involved in the rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences, expressing distress at the loss of lives. The ex-gratia support from PMNRF aims to assist the affected families during this difficult time, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing all possible aid and support.
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