A devastating boating accident at Harni Lake in Vadodara has resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives, including 12 innocent children and two teachers. The Vadodara Crime Branch has since arrested three individuals in connection with the incident. Paresh Shah, the main contractor held responsible for the accident, is reportedly on the run.
A complaint has been lodged against the directors of M/s Kotiya Project at the Harni Police Station. The company, which has been managing the project at Harni Lake Zone since 2017, is facing charges of negligence and recklessness. A case has been filed against 18 people under sections 304, 308, 337, 338 and 114.
The project, overseen by Rajesh Chauhan, an executive engineer in the Vadodara Corporation, includes various rides, food and drink facilities, a banquet hall, and boating services. The entire responsibility of the project lies with M/s Kotia Project.
Yesterday, around half-past four in the evening, students from New Sunrise School had come for a picnic at Harni Lake Zone. Approximately 25 students and four teachers were boating in the lake. It is reported that the boat was overloaded beyond its capacity, with some children even seated without life jackets.
While the boat was slightly rocking, water started filling in from the front. The boat started rocking more due to the water, lost balance, and flipped over into the lake, leading to a drowning incident involving all the people on board.
A complaint against 18 people for negligence:
- Binit Kotia, age 32, resides at 10, Nilkanth Bungalows Taksh Complex, Vasna Road, Vadodara
- Hitesh Kotia, age 55, resides at 10, Nilkanth Bungalows, Taksh Complex, Vasna Road, Vadodara
- Gopaldas Shah, age 58, resides at P/3 Vaikunth Flat, V.I.P. Road, Karelibaug, Vadodara
- Vatsal Shah, age 25, resides at N/20 Parvatinagar Society, Swaminarayan Nagar – 4, opposite Harni Road, Vadodara City
- Dipen Shah, age 24, resides at 64, Punitnagar, G.I.B. Colony, Old Padra Road, Vadodara
- Dharmil Shah, age 27, resides at 64, Punitnagar, G.I.B. Colony, Old Padra Road, Vadodara
- Rashmikant C. Prajapati, age 46, resides at 38, Karmaveer Villa, Santaram Dairy Road, Vadodara
- Jitinkumar Harilal Doshi, age 64, resides at 4, Ayodhyapuri Society, Bhadarva Chokdi, Savli, Vadodara
- Neha D.Doshi, age 30, resides at 4, Ayodhyapuri Society, Bhadarva Chokdi, Savli, Vadodara
- Tejal Ashishkumar Doshi, age 46, resides at 24, Vajvihar Society, Airport, Harni Road, Vadodara
- Bhimsingh Kudiyaram Yadav, age 36, resides at B/14 Vallabh Township, Lakhuleshnagar, Ajwa Road, Vadodara
- Ved Prakash Yadav, age 50, resides at A/3 Vallabh Township, Labhuleshnagar, Ajwa Road, Vadodara
- Dharmin Bhatani, age 34, resides at 34, Ambe Society, Sanasain Hospital, Diwalipura, Vadodara
- Nutanben P.Shah, age 48, resides at N/20, Parvatinagar, Swaminarayan Nagar- 4, Harni Road, Vadodara
- Vaishakhiben P.Shah, age 22, Parvatinagar, Swaminarayan Nagar-4, Harni Road, Vadodara
- Shantilal Solanki, Manager of Harni Lake Zone
- Nayan Gohil, Boat Operator
- Ankit, Boat Operator
Currently, a case has been registered at the Harni Police Station regarding the accident. A quick investigation will be conducted, and the state government has announced to give a report of all the incidents within ten days. New teams, including senior officers, are being formed to investigate this incident. The District Magistrate will oversee the entire case investigation.
Also Read: Harni Lake tragedy: overloaded boat, lack of life jackets, no safety instructions
