Patna: At least 13 people, many of them children, lost their lives when a country boat overturned in the Ganga near Raghopur in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday night.
The vessel, reportedly carrying villagers from Rampur Shyamchand to a feast on the opposite bank, capsized at around 8 pm. Residents said it appeared to lose balance in midstream, with overcrowding suspected to be a factor.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh said 13 people had died and six others were rescued following the mishap. “13 people have died while six were rescued after the boat capsized in the Ganga river in Raghopur,” she told PTI, adding that rescue efforts were continuing.
Tirhut Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Chandan Kumar Kushwaha said divers, local police and personnel of the state disaster management force had been pressed into service. “The rescue operation is ongoing under the supervision of Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh and Superintendent of Police Shubhankar Mishra,” he said.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who represents Raghopur in the state assembly, claimed in a video on X that 14 bodies had been recovered. He said the boat had 30 passengers, six had been taken to hospital and three were safe.
PM Announces Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“The loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident in Vaishali, Bihar, is deeply painful. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this difficult time,” he said on X.
“An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” Modi added.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family. “The news of the innocent lives lost in the boat accident in Raghoopur, Vaishali, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide the families with the strength to bear this immense sorrow,” he wrote on X.
Tejashwi Seeks Swift Rescue
Yadav said most of the victims were children and that he had contacted officials to intensify the operation. “Most of those who drowned are children. Have urged the local administration to expedite rescue and relief operations,” he posted.
“I have spoken to the district magistrate and the secretary of the disaster management department, urging them to send as many rescue teams as possible to the spot,” he added.
The tragedy comes weeks after a boat carrying 11 people capsized near Terasia Diara in Vaishali on September 8, killing one person and leaving another missing. Nine passengers were rescued.
