Nitish Kumar Announces Rs 4 Lakh Aid for Families of Katihar Boat Accident Victims

Katihar: Three people, including a three-year-old child, lost their lives in a tragic boat accident on the Ganges River at Meghu Tola Ghat in the Amdabad block of Katihar district. Seven others are reported missing as search operations continue. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his sorrow and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased.

The accident occurred on morning of January 19, when the overcrowded boat carrying about two dozen passengers capsized in the middle of the river. Eyewitnesses claimed the small boat was unable to maintain balance due to excessive load. Passengers panicked, further destabilizing the vessel, leading to its sinking. Survivors of the accident said the tragedy could have been avoided with fewer passengers on board.

Among the victims were 60-year-old Pawan Mandal, 45-year-old Sudhir Mandal, and a three-year-old child of Jhuma Mandal. The group was traveling to Sahibganj district following the death of Jhuma’s mother the previous day. The family had spent the night in Pranpur village before embarking on the ill-fated journey on morning of January 19.

Chief Minister Kumar expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and emphasised the importance of continuing rescue efforts to locate the missing. He described the incident as unfortunate and urged officials to take precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Rescue teams are actively working at the site of the accident, and authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the capsizing.