Boat capsize: Mathura district administration orders magisterial probe

Mathura (UP), Apr 15 (PTI) The Mathura district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic boat capsize in Vrindavan that claimed 15 lives last week, an official said here on Wednesday.

District Magistrate (DM) Chandra Prakash Singh has appointed Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Pankaj Kumar Verma to lead the probe.

The incident occurred on April 10, when a boat carrying pilgrims from Punjab set off from the Jugal Ghat towards the Devaraha Baba Ghat. The boat collided with the pontoons of a bridge near the Keshi Ghat and overturned in the Yamuna river.

“The accident resulted in 15 fatalities. Eight others were injured, while 10 individuals were rescued safely. One person remains missing, and search operations

to recover the body are still underway,” the DM stated.

Verma has been tasked with ascertaining the cause of the accident and identifying any lapses in safety protocols.

The administration has issued a public notice inviting witnesses or organisations with information regarding the incident to record their statements.

“Any individual or entity wishing to provide information can do so either in writing or orally at the ADM’s office between 10 am and 5 pm until April 23,” the DM added. PTI COR ABN RC