Tragedy strikes as an overloaded boat capsizes in Gujarat Harni Lake

In a heart-wrenching incident on Thursday evening, twelve students and two teachers lost their lives when a boat capsized in Harni Lake on the outskirts of Vadodara city in Gujarat. The victims were among a group of 29 individuals on the ill-fated boat, which exceeded its designated capacity of 14 people.

Atul Gamechi, a prominent social activist, expressed outrage over the incident, citing various lapses in safety measures. "This is a very sad incident for the city of Vadodara. The boat had a capacity of 14 people; however, 27 people were made to sit in it. Ideally, there should have been two rescuers in the boat, but they were not present. Also, no life jackets were provided".

The Gujarat government has responded swiftly by ordering a high-level probe into the incident. The Vadodara district collector has been directed to submit a detailed inquiry report within 10 days. An FIR has been registered under sections 304 and 308 of the Indian Penal Code, with two individuals already arrested in connection with the case. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi assured that teams have been formed to apprehend any other individuals found responsible for the incident.