“Tragedy Strikes as Boat Overturns in Harni Lake, Gujarat: 14 Students and 2 Teachers Among the Deceased”

Accident – death – Obituary News : At least 16 people, including 14 students and two teachers, tragically lost their lives when a boat overturned on Harni Lake in Gujarat’s Vadodara city on Thursday. The incident occurred during a picnic outing, with the boat carrying a total of 27 students and teachers.

The victims have been identified as Mohammad Ayan Mohammad Anis Gandhi (13), Falguniben Manishbhai Patel (45), Roshni Pankajbhai Shinde (10), Rutwi Pratik Shah (10), Chhayaben Surati (45), Jahabiya Mohammad Yunus Subedar (10), Vishv Kumar Kalpeshbhai Nizama (10), Rayan Harun Khalifa (10), Sakina Sokat Abdulrasur (9), Alisabanu Mahamad Umar Kothariwala (9), Muvavza Mohamed Mahir Sheikh (8), Nancy Rahul Mali (8), Ayat Altaf Huseni Mansuri (9), and Asiya Faruk Khalifa (11). One survivor, Sufiya Shaukat Shaikh (13), is currently receiving medical treatment.

Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, as four individuals remain missing. The National Disaster Response Force personnel are leading the efforts to locate and rescue the missing individuals.

In response to the tragic incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He has also announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has also declared ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Expressing his condolences, the Prime Minister’s office stated, “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a boat capsizing at the Harni Lake in Vadodara. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Preliminary reports indicate that the students from New Sunrise School were on a picnic at Harni Lake when the incident occurred. The boat, designed to accommodate 16 passengers, was carrying 34 occupants at the time of the capsizing. Despite the challenging conditions at the lake’s bottom, 18 students and two teachers were successfully rescued.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has promised strict action against those responsible for the incident. He visited the injured victims at the hospital in Vadodara and expressed his deep sadness over the loss of innocent lives.

Currently, two individuals, including the facility manager, have been arrested, and an FIR has been lodged at the Harni police station against M/s Kotia Projects. The FIR includes charges of culpable homicide, attempt to culpable homicide, and rash or negligent act endangering human life. The owner of M/s Kotia Projects, Paresh Shah, is currently untraceable.

To investigate the cause and circumstances of the incident, the state home department has ordered an inquiry led by the Vadodara District Magistrate. The government expects the inquiry report within 10 days and will take appropriate action based on its findings.

The Opposition has called for a thorough judicial investigation into the incident, alleging negligence on the part of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. Ami Rawat, the Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat assembly, demanded a probe by a sitting judge, stating, “This was an act of murder, not an accident. It is a sheer act of negligence.”

Rawat also raised concerns about the lack of life jackets or lifeguards on the boat and questioned the decision to award the boating contract to a private firm.

In summary, the boat capsizing incident at Harni Lake in Vadodara has resulted in a tragic loss of lives. The government and authorities are taking immediate action to investigate the incident, provide compensation to the affected families, and ensure the safety of individuals participating in such activities in the future..