Bhopal: 11 people drown as boat carrying devotees capsizes during Ganesha immersion
Correspondent
NewsBits.in
BHOPAL: As many as 11 devotees died when a boat carrying them, capsized in the Lower Lake in Bhopal.
This incident occurred when these people had gone for immersion of Ganesha idols. A magisterial probe has been ordered and administration in other cities is now on alert, stopping devotees from getting into deep water.
Two boatmen have been booked for negligence. Besides, the state government has announced financial assistance to the next of kin. The incident that shocked the city. It has once again highlighted lack of security and preparedness at the 'ghats' and also the failure of boatmen to keep life jackets.
The tragedy took place at around 4.30 am on Friday. A group of people from the 1100 Quarters in Piplani, reached Khatlapura Ghat, for immersion of the idol. When the idol was being lowered, boat got disbalanced and it capsized. No one in the boat was wearing the life jacket.
After the incident, the search operations began. While eight people were saved, 11 had drowned. Two others are missing. In other cities, local officials have issued directions that people must not go to deep water. The huge size of idols is also a cause of cocern at times.
The boatmen normally don't have safety gear. This is not the first such incident. Earlier too, people have died in the lakes due to lack of security or carlessness. Divers were posted at these points but during festive season, when hundreds of devotees reach the bank, it is difficult to maintain order, say officials. [PHOTO is representatative]
