CPI expresses shock over boat tragedy near Vijayawada

CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy today conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved families of all those who died in the boat capsize tragedy in Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh.

           

In a statement on Monday, S Sudhakar Reddy expressed his shock over loss of 19 lives on Sunday in the man-made tragedy of an overloaded boat in the KrishnaRiver in Ibrahimpatnam near Vijayawada. The boat that sank did not have licence or permission. While the capacity of the ill-fated boat was 20, they overloaded it with 38 tourists. They also declined to give life jackets even after asking for them.

           

“This is not the first time that boat operators without proper licence are conducting services, most of the time flouting all rules. Many such man-made tragedies and loss of numerous lives have taken place in most of the states. It is alleged that more than 2000 people died in such accidents in recent years while crossing river. It is state government which is solely responsible to control the boats with licences and to check-up load capacity. They miserably failed”.

The CPI leader urged the Andhra Pradesh government to hold the operator and staff fully responsible for the loss of precious lives and award exemplary punishment. The government should also punish the authorities concerned, who failed to avert the tragedy. He demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation to the families of those who died. He also conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved families. (NSS)