The Tourism Minister has ordered an investigation following the capsize of a cruise boat operated by the tourism department in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi described the incident as “very sad and heartbreaking” and confirmed the probe. He stated, “If negligence has occurred, we will take the strongest possible action. Nine people have died in this incident…”
Minister Lodhi also indicated the death toll might increase, saying, “I suspect the figure may rise… I have ordered an investigation. If any negligence is found, the strongest possible action will be taken.”
Rescue operations on Friday faced challenges due to rain and poor visibility during the night. Commandant of Home Guard SDRF, Neeraj Singh Rajput, reported, “The situation here is difficult. Last night it was rainy and dark, so the rescue operation faced some difficulties, but we continued with the help of lights and other equipment. Today, NDRF and Army teams arrived, after which we recovered 5 bodies. A total of 9 bodies have been recovered so far.”
The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) in Jabalpur confirmed that 24 rescued individuals are currently receiving medical treatment and that all injured are being provided necessary care.
Jabalpur Collector Raghvendra Singh stated that search operations are ongoing, adding, “Today, five more bodies have been recovered. Search operation is being carried out continuously.” The search continues at Bargi Dam following the cruise boat capsize on Thursday.