Ludhiana Woman Credits Instagram Reel for Survival in Mathura Boat Tragedy
In a remarkable tale of presence of mind amidst chaos, a 54-year-old woman from Ludhiana has revealed that she survived the devastating Mathura boat tragedy by following basic water-survival tips she once saw in an Instagram reel. Rajinder Kaur Banga's quick thinking helped her stay afloat in the Yamuna river after the boat capsized near Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan last week, an accident that claimed the lives of 15 pilgrims.
Panic and Recall: How Social Media Saved a Life
Rajinder Kaur Banga, a resident of Dugri Phase 2 in Ludhiana, was among a group of devotees crossing the Yamuna when the boat overturned. As panic spread in the turbulent waters, she remembered an Instagram reel that demonstrated survival techniques for such emergencies. "I did not open my mouth, kept my arms straight and moved my legs," Banga recounted, describing how she meticulously followed those steps to maintain buoyancy.
Her adherence to these simple yet crucial instructions allowed her to hold on until rescuers from another boat could pull her to safety. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Banga survived the ordeal, which her family has hailed as a testament to her composure under extreme pressure.
The Fateful Journey: A Sequence of Unfortunate Events
Recalling the moments leading up to the accident, Banga detailed that nearly 30 devotees had boarded the boat at Keshi Ghat and were immersed in singing bhajans. The boatman had shifted five passengers to another vessel, a move that went unquestioned by the engrossed group. "We were so engrossed that we did not question the boatman," she admitted.
The situation turned dire when the group noticed a section of a pontoon bridge drifting towards their boat. Although the boatman attempted to steer away, strong winds pushed the vessel closer, resulting in a collision that caused the capsizing. This tragic incident occurred on Friday, involving a boat carrying 38 pilgrims from Punjab.
Aftermath and Grief: A Community in Mourning
After being rescued, Banga immediately borrowed a mobile phone to alert her family in Ludhiana, becoming the first among the survivors to do so. Her call helped inform relatives of other victims as news of the tragedy spread. However, the shock of the experience lingered, with family members noting that it took her nearly two days to fully articulate the ordeal.
The tragedy has left Banga grieving for close friends and neighbors she lost in the accident, including Anju Gulati, Meenu Bansal, and two of their relatives. "Anju and Meenu aunty were like our extended family members. They would travel to religious places together. Mom is unable to process this," said Megha, her daughter-in-law, highlighting the deep personal bonds shattered by the event.
Rescue Efforts and Legal Actions
Rescue teams continued their efforts on Wednesday to trace the lone missing pilgrim, identified as Pankaj Malhotra. Official reports indicate that 22 people were rescued, 15 died, and one remains unaccounted for. In response to the incident, Mathura police have taken stringent legal action, registering an FIR against the boatmen and the contractor involved in removing the pontoon bridge. Both have been arrested under BNS section 105, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness, even as it highlights how modern digital content can unexpectedly provide life-saving knowledge. Banga's story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of disaster, while the community mourns the profound loss of life in this avoidable catastrophe.
