A joyful picnic for the students and teachers of New Sunrise School in Vadodara turned into a nightmare when a boat, overloaded with 27 people, capsized in Harani Lake on Wednesday evening. The accident claimed the lives of 12 students and two teachers.
Among the victims was Sakina, a Class 3 student, who had recorded a video before the accident, cheerfully saying, “Aaj to maja ane wali hai” (Today we are going to have fun). The video, which later went viral on social media, has become a poignant reminder of the day’s lost innocence and joy. Sakina’s elder sister Sophia, who was also on the boat, survived the accident but was unable to save her younger sister. Sophia is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Local resident Mansingh Radhwa, who participated in the rescue operation, recounted the harrowing scene. He described hearing the children’s cries for help, jumping into the water, and managing to pull out three children from the sinking boat. Radhwa expressed shock at the absence of life jackets on the children and took immediate action to transport the injured to the hospital.
In response to the tragedy, Brijesh Trivedi, the president of the Gujarat High Court Advocate Association, has filed a suo moto petition in the court of the Chief Justice, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. Trivedi accused the boat operator and the authorities of negligence, irresponsibility, and violation of safety rules, insisting that such incidents cannot be tolerated and the guilty must be held accountable.
The Chief Justice has accepted the petition and requested relevant documents, including newspaper reports. Legal proceedings have been initiated against 18 individuals in connection with the tragedy. Harani police station has registered a case of negligence against the managers of the M/s Kotia project under IPC Sections 304, 308, 337, 338, and 114. The court has pledged zero tolerance for negligence and is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. The Chief Justice also expressed his condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families.
Boat Capsizes, Claims 12 Lives in Vadodara’s Harni Motnath Lake. Click Here
