In a tragic incident in Rajasthan's Banswara district, the body of a youth was retrieved from the Mahi River on Monday after a boat capsized on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Rakesh Garasiya, a resident of the nearby village. Rescue teams continue to search for a 16-year-old boy who remains missing.
Incident Details
The boat, carrying five people, overturned mid-river near the Ghatiya Ghat area. While two individuals managed to swim to safety, three others were swept away by the strong currents. Local authorities were alerted immediately, and a rescue operation was launched with the help of divers and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Recovery and Search Operations
After hours of search, the body of Rakesh Garasiya was recovered late Sunday evening. The search for the minor, identified as Dharmendra, is ongoing. District officials stated that the operation has been intensified with additional teams deployed. The water level in the river has been receding, aiding the search efforts.
Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the circumstances leading to the capsize. Preliminary reports suggest that the boat may have been overloaded, and the occupants were not wearing life jackets. The boat owner has been detained for questioning.
Community in Mourning
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Villagers gathered at the riverbank, demanding better safety measures and compensation for the victims' families. The district administration has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the missing boy's family.
This tragedy highlights the recurring issue of unsafe boating practices in rural areas, where overcrowding and lack of safety gear often lead to fatal accidents. Authorities have been urged to enforce stricter regulations and conduct awareness campaigns.
