Those Responsible for Bargi Cruise Accident Will Not Be Spared : Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed profound grief over the cruise accident that occurred at Bargi in Jabalpur district, describing it as unfortunate and extremely painful. He said that the state government stands with every affected family this difficult time. Strict action has been taken against those found negligent in the incident. The services of cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, helper Chhotelal Gond, and ticket counter in-charge Brijendra have been terminated with immediate effect. Manager Sunil Maravi of Hotel Maikal Resort and Boat Club Bargi has been suspended for negligence. Additionally, Regional Manager Sanjay Malhotra has been attached to headquarters, and a departmental inquiry has been instituted.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the guilty will not be spared under any circumstances. He assured that the government is committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected families. He expressed sorrow, stating that the loss suffered by families who lost their loved ones is irreparable. He said that government, administration, and local representatives stand with them in this time of grief. He said this while addressing the local media after visiting the incident site and meeting the affected families in Bargi, Jabalpur on Friday.

Dr. Yadav announced that a high-level inquiry committee will be constituted to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident. The committee will include the Director General of Home Guards and Civil Defence, a Secretary of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Commissioner of Jabalpur Division. The committee will examine key aspects such as the causes of the accident, compliance with cruise operation rules, and other relevant factors. Strictest action will be taken against those found guilty to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. He also stated that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cruise operations will be formulated through the Tourism Department to avoid such mishaps.

The Chief Minister announced a reward of ₹51,000 each for the workers who contributed to the rescue and relief operations. He said that all members of the rescue team will be publicly honored by the state government for their bravery. Due to their dedication and tireless efforts, many lives were saved. He added that the rescue operation is still ongoing, and while the cruise boat has been brought to the shore, some individuals are still missing and efforts are being made to locate them as quickly as possible.

Chief Minister visited homes of victims and expressed condolences

Providing details of the incident, he stated that 9 people lost their lives in the tragic accident. The rescue team managed to save 28 people safely. The entire state is shocked by the incident. At the time of the accident, work under the Jal Jeevan Mission was underway near the dam, which enabled immediate initiation of rescue operations. Upon receiving information, Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, and Jabalpur MP Shri Ashish Dubey reached the site promptly. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and district administration immediately began rescue operations. Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Jabalpur district Shri Jagdish Deora also continuously monitored the situation. Divers from the Indian Army were also involved in the rescue operation.

The Chief Minister mentioned that one of the victims, Shri Riyaz, who remained trapped in water for 4 to 5 hours, was safely rescued by the team. He said that Riyaz might not have expected to survive, but due to the relentless efforts of the rescue team, he is safe today. The Chief Minister met Riyaz and other survivors, as well as the families of the deceased, and offered them support and reassurance.

He further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives, while the state government will provide ₹4 lakh each. The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to take weather advisories and warnings issued by the Meteorological Department seriously, as they help prevent such accidents. He appreciated the efforts of the rescue teams, local representatives, citizens, and media personnel who worked tirelessly during the crisis.