What Happened in Chhattisgarh? Mother and Newborn Lost in Indravati Boat Tragedy
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Raipur, Jan 22 (NationPress) Two individuals remain unaccounted for even after 18 hours have passed since the heartbreaking boat incident in the Indravati river that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her newborn in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district.
The mishap occurred when a small boat capsized due to strong currents in the Bhairamgarh area of Bastar division on Wednesday evening. Local villagers aided in rescuing two survivors who were subsequently brought back to Bodga village.
The husband of the deceased woman and another child from the group are still missing, prompting ongoing search efforts. Health teams are on standby to address any medical emergencies.
The tragic event took place around 5 p.m. at Uspari Jhilli ghat as six residents from Bodga village were returning home from a local market. The group depended on the boat as their only transport across the river to access markets, essential goods, and other necessities.
Midway, the boat reportedly became unstable amid turbulent waters and capsized, throwing all six passengers into the swift currents of the Indravati.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to the remote location—approximately 80 km from the district headquarters—and darkness on Wednesday night, which delayed efforts until Thursday morning. Rescue teams were dispatched to the ghat.
After an exhaustive 18-hour search, the bodies of the mother and her infant were located. Tragically, the baby was found tied to the mother with a towel, symbolizing her desperate attempt to protect her child as the boat sank.
The annual incidents of boat capsizes at various ghats underscore the absence of safer alternatives, such as bridges, and inadequate rescue infrastructure in these remote areas. Both local authorities and residents have long advocated for permanent crossings and improved safety measures to avert such recurring tragedies.
Officials continue to search for the missing individuals while extending support to the affected families.