Odisha government orders inquiry into boat tragedy

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the boat tragedy in Chilika on Saturday in which four picnickers were drowned.

BHUBANESHWAR: The state government has ordered an inquiry into the boat tragedy in Chilika on Saturday in which four picnickers were drowned.

Minister of state for commerce and transport Ramesh Majhi said director ports and inland water transport has been asked to inquire whether the boat in which 31 people were travelling was a fishing boat or passenger boat.

Majhi said the director has been asked to ascertain whether the boat was registered and it had licence. Besides, he has asked to find out whether the boat had all safety measures to carry passengers and asked to submit report within three days.

Meanwhile, chief executive officer of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) P Krishnamohan who visited the spot today said that the boat which had a maximum capacity to carry 10-12 passengers, carried more people on it.

The Rambha police has seized the fishing boat. Police had registered a case against the boat owner Dutia Mallick and boatman Hatia Mallick under section 280 and 304 of IPC on Saturday for ferrying the passengers in a fishing boat.
 

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The New Indian Express
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