The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a judicial inquiry into the tragic boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, which resulted in the loss of several lives. The inquiry will be conducted by a retired judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, who will submit a detailed report within two months.
Details of the Tragedy
The incident occurred on Sunday when a cruise boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized in the reservoir of Bargi Dam. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but many passengers remain missing. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, and search operations are ongoing.
Government Response
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed the administration to ensure strict action against those responsible for the negligence.
The state government has suspended the boat's operator and several officials of the tourism department pending investigation. The judicial inquiry will examine the cause of the accident, including any lapses in safety protocols.
Reactions
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for lack of safety measures on tourist boats. Congress leaders demanded a thorough investigation and compensation for the victims' families. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed anger over the incident, alleging that overcrowding and lack of life jackets contributed to the tragedy.
The judicial inquiry is expected to bring clarity to the sequence of events and recommend measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
