A family of six from Delhi, who had traveled to Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur for a function last Tuesday, suffered a devastating loss. On Saturday morning, three of them—39-year-old Marina Massey, her 62-year-old mother Madhur, and four-year-old son Trishaan Kumar Verma—returned to west Delhi's Khajan Basti in coffins following the cruise boat tragedy at Bargi dam on the Narmada River, which has claimed at least 11 lives so far.
Survivors Speak Out
Along with the bodies came Marina's distraught husband, Pradeep Kumar Verma, her father Julius Massey, and 14-year-old daughter Siya—the three who survived the accident. A tearful Siya sat clutching her grandfather Julius. Overwhelmed with grief, Pradeep said, "Chhotu (Trishaan) would hug me when I came home from work. How do I take care of myself when those who took care of me are gone?" Pointing to the coffins with his bandaged finger, he cried, "I didn't take them (to Jabalpur) like this. I had to bring them back in a van."
Allegations of Negligence
Speaking to the Times of India, Pradeep alleged negligence on the part of the boat operator and lapses by the authorities. "He was not trained and was not driving the boat properly. He jumped off the moment the currents got rough. It is a case of negligence that cost me my world," he said, demanding accountability.
The Victims Remembered
Marina, a homemaker, lived in southwest Delhi's Sagarpur with Pradeep, a web designer, and their two children. In west Delhi's Khajan Basti, Madhur, also a homemaker, lived with Julius, a retired member of the Army band at Delhi Cantonment. Marina is also survived by her brothers Jacob and Gladwin, and sister Treeza. Originally from Hasanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the family has been in Delhi for generations.
Loved ones remembered Marina as someone deeply passionate about music and dance. Meena (62), a family friend, said, "She showed a deep interest in dance and music, much like her father who was in the Army band." Her cousin Kuldeep recalled her love for cooking, saying she often experimented with dishes and shared them with relatives.
Madhur, described as deeply religious, spent much of her time praying and visiting the church. "Aunty and Julius uncle loved travelling and visiting relatives. They were always present at family functions and had even attended my brother's engagement the day before they left," Kuldeep said, adding that they had also gone to Jabalpur to attend the housewarming function of Pradeep's elder brother.
Meena said despite being a diabetes patient, Madhur was known for caring for others whenever they fell ill. For the family, the loss of Trishaan, a little boy who had only recently gained admission to school, weighed heavily. They described the child as intelligent and playful. "He was good at speaking for a child his age," said 21-year-old Rishi, a close friend and neighbour. "I have seen him grow up since he was born. He was always so cheerful."
