In a heart-wrenching incident at the sacred confluence of rivers in Banswara, Rajasthan, a pleasure boat flipped in the Mahi River, leaving two people unaccounted for. The mishap, which happened during a routine post-prayer boat excursion, has highlighted glaring safety deficiencies in popular tourist spots.
Ten villagers from Bhano ka Pada had just finished puja at Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple and boarded the vessel for a joyride. Disaster struck midway, about 200 meters offshore in Arthuna jurisdiction, around 3 PM Tuesday. While eight survivors reached shore by swimming, 21-year-old Jayesh and 8-year-old Manav are still missing.
Multi-agency response teams, including SDRF, police, and civil defense units, are combing the waters with assistance from local fishermen and divers. SP Sudhir Joshi noted that a 10-member squad on two boats is probing deep, even as the submerged craft evades recovery.
The boat operator’s disappearance post-incident fuels suspicions of negligence. No life jackets were distributed, and the boat allegedly carried excess passengers, common in unregulated river ferries. This stretch, known for its triveni sangam allure, sees the temple underwater for much of the year, amplifying risks during monsoons and beyond.
As night falls, hope lingers for the duo’s safe return, but officials warn against similar outings without proper gear. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of boating norms in Rajasthan’s riverine pilgrimage sites.
