Ludhiana Devotees' Vrindavan Boat Tragedy Claims 10 Lives, 5 Missing in Yamuna River
In a heartbreaking turn of events, what began as a spiritual journey for devotees from Ludhiana ended in tragedy when their boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has left ten people dead, five missing, and survivors grappling with shock and uncertainty about who made it out alive.
Survivors Recount Terrifying Moments as Boat Capsizes During Bhajan Singing
According to Vrindavan circle officer Peetam Pal Singh, a group of over 30 devotees from Ludhiana had traveled to Vrindavan by bus. Some of them embarked on a boating excursion that tragically ended in disaster. Ten individuals have been confirmed dead, with several from Ludhiana among them. Five persons remain missing, while many others have been rescued. Rescue operations are actively ongoing to locate the missing and provide assistance to the affected.
Survivor Chetan, a garments shop owner from Jagraon, described the harrowing experience in a dazed state. "We were all singing bhajans in the boat when, without warning, it capsized after colliding with something," he recounted. "Suddenly, we were drowning in the Yamuna. It was absolutely terrifying." He expressed gratitude for the divers who swiftly jumped in from the banks to rescue many, but admitted he is "clueless" about who all survived, having visited hospitals and offices to identify people.
Details of the Ill-Fated Trip Organized by Banke Bihari Club
The tragic trip was organized by the Banke Bihari Club, which has been arranging annual pilgrimages to Vrindavan for the past four years. The group, comprising residents from Ludhiana and Jagraon, departed by bus around 8 PM on Thursday and arrived in Vrindavan on Friday morning. They proceeded to Keshi Ghat on the Yamuna banks in two boats. One of the boats overturned after allegedly colliding with a floating pontoon, leading to the majority of fatalities from Ludhiana.
Among the deceased are Charanjit alias Kala, Pinky, Ishan Kataria, and the trip organizers Kavita Behal and her son Madhur, a mother-son duo from Jagraon who were frequent visitors to Vrindavan. Those rescued include Lovi Behal and Yashu Bajaj, who also run the Banke Bihari Club, along with Radha Arora and Vijay Behal.
Residents of Geeta Colony in Jagraon revealed that the club was formed about four years ago by Vrindavan devotees who pooled funds for these annual trips. Tanishk Jain, an advocate from Ludhiana, was among the rescued; his brother Ridhim Jain confirmed he escaped unhurt and is now safe.
Administrative Response and Political Condolences
In response to the tragedy, Ludhiana deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain announced the establishment of 24x7 dedicated helplines: 01624223226 (SDM Jagraon) and 01612403100 (deputy commissioner, Ludhiana). Special teams of civil and police officers have been dispatched to Vrindavan to enhance coordination with local authorities.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed profound grief over the loss of lives. In a post on X, he stated, "I spoke with Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Ji regarding the Mathura boat accident. Every possible assistance will be provided to the victims." In a press statement, he added, "It is unfortunate that a boat carrying 32 residents of Jagraon on a pilgrimage to Vrindavan capsized in the Yamuna. Some devotees lost their lives. I am in constant touch with Uttar Pradesh govt for relief and rescue operations."
The community and authorities continue to mourn this devastating incident, with efforts focused on rescue, identification, and support for the affected families.
