Mathura Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to 11, Search Intensifies for Missing Four
The devastating boat capsize in the Yamuna River at Mathura has resulted in a tragic rise in fatalities, with the death toll reaching 11 on Saturday. Rescue operations continue relentlessly as teams scour the waters for four individuals still reported missing following the incident that occurred on Friday.
Rescue Efforts and Victim Details
Superintendent of Police Mathura (Rural) Suresh Chandra Rawat provided detailed insights into the ongoing rescue mission. "Since last night, we have deployed 8 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 5 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 3 teams of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and 6 private diver teams," he stated. The search has extended approximately 800 meters from the original site, leading to the recovery of one additional body, bringing the total to 11.
The eleventh victim was identified as Manik Tondon, a resident of Abohar in Punjab. His family members were present at the scene when his body was retrieved. Post-mortem examinations for the 10 bodies recovered on Friday were conducted overnight, and they were respectfully handed over to their families. Legal proceedings are underway for the latest recovery.
In the early hours of Saturday, the capsized motorboat was successfully retrieved from the river. The vessel had been carrying 37 people at the time of the accident.
Families in Mourning and Political Responses
All the deceased hailed from Punjab, and their bodies have been sent back to their home state. Among them, Kavita Bahal, her son Madhur Bahal, Ishan Kataria, Charanjeet Singh, and Pinki Bahal were cremated in Ludhiana. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann participated in the last rites at Jagroan in Ludhiana and had previously discussed the accident with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Allegations of Safety Negligence and Arrests
Locals have raised serious concerns about safety violations that may have contributed to the tragedy. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred during the removal of a pontoon bridge as part of the Yamuna Riverfront project. "The area was not restricted, and no safety arrangements were in place while a bulldozer was used to pull the floating pontoons," said boatman Mohar Singh, who rescued several individuals.
According to accounts, passengers on the motorboat expressed fear as the boatman increased speed. Despite requests to slow down, he ignored them, stating it was "his daily work." The boat then approached the dismantling site, where low water levels caused it to halt. When the driver attempted to accelerate, the boat lost control, collided with the pontoon bridge due to a gust of wind, and overturned after passengers shifted to one side, creating an imbalance.
In response, an FIR has been filed against boatman Pappu Nishad (38) and his contractor Narayan Sharma (58). Both have been arrested under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
Official Inquiries and Accountability
Mathura District Magistrate CP Singh addressed the negligence allegations, assuring that "whatever shortcomings there have been, we will address them, and whoever is responsible, their accountability will also be fixed." An investigation led by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance/Revenue) is underway, with a report expected to guide further action.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing a high-level inquiry. "Orders have been issued to determine how so many passengers were seated on the boat and the reasons for the capsizing," he said, emphasizing strict action against those found culpable.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on completing rescue operations and ensuring justice through thorough investigations into the safety lapses that led to this heartbreaking event.
