A tragic boat accident in Vadodara’s Harani Lake claimed the lives of 14 people, including students and teachers, on January 18, 2024. The boat, with a capacity of 14, was reportedly carrying more than 30 passengers at the time of the accident. This incident has prompted a high-level investigation, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel assigning the task to the Vadodara District Magistrate. A detailed investigation report is expected to be submitted to the state government within 10 days.
The boat was under contract with a prominent contractor, Paresh Shah. Shah had subcontracted the amusement park to Nilesh Jain, who, in turn, is believed to have passed on the boating contract to another party. The victims of the tragedy were students from Sunrise School, owned by the well-known industrial group, the Wadia family.
In this incident, 12 children and 2 teachers died, and the search for missing children is still ongoing. The rescue operation by the fire and NDRF team is underway.
According to media reports, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi rushed to the accident site and instructed strict action. As a result, a case has been filed against 5 accused under IPC sections 304, 308, and 337 at Harani Police Station. Some individuals, including the main accused, are likely to be arrested based on the complaint. Furthermore, the Chief Minister and Home Minister have ordered the system to take strict action against the culprits.
The names of the victims who lost their lives in the tragedy have been released. A teacher claims that there were 30 people on the boat, but 82 children had gone for a picnic at Harani Lake. English-medium students have become victims of the accident.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, expressing that the incident of a school boat sinking in Harani’s Motnath Lake is heartbreaking. Prime Minister Modi expressed sorrow, announced an aid of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased and Rs 50 thousand for the injured. Following the centre, the state government has also announced aid for the Harni Lake accident, with each deceased family member to be given Rs. 4 lakh and the injured to be given Rs. 50,000 in aid.
Deceased Students:
- Sakina Sheikh (9)
- Muhabia Mahir Sheikh (8)
- Ayat Altaf Mansuri (8)
- Ayan Mohammed Gandhi (13)
- Rehan Khalifa (8)
- Vishwa Nizam (10)
- Zuhabia Subedar (10)
- Ashiya Mohammad Umar Khalifa (9)
- Nancy Rahul Machhi (8)
- Hetvi Shah (10)
- Roshni Surve
- Alisba Mohammad Umar Kothari
Deceased Teacher
- Chhaya Surti (45)
- Falguni Patel (45)
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