Jabalpur Boat Tragedy: Court Orders FIR Against Cruise Operator Over Bargi Reservoir Capsize That Killed 13
A district court in Jabalpur has directed police to register an FIR against the operator and crew members of the cruise boat that capsized in the Bargi reservoir on April 30, leading to the deaths of 13 passengers.
The court observed that the crew’s alleged failure to rescue drowning passengers could amount to serious criminal offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports and videos circulating on social media regarding the tragedy, Judicial Magistrate First Class D.P. Sutrakar instructed the Bargi police station to formally register a case and submit a report to the court within two days.
In the order issued on May 5, the magistrate noted that the boat operator had allegedly driven the vessel in a negligent manner, which ultimately caused it to overturn in the reservoir.
The court further remarked that despite being familiar with the functioning and safety mechanisms of the cruise vessel, the operator reportedly abandoned the passengers during the emergency and managed to save himself instead of attempting rescue efforts.
“The vessel operator, despite being familiar with the activities and functioning of the vessel, abandoned the passengers who were drowning and himself escaped safely,” the order stated.
The court observed that the alleged inaction of the operator prima facie attracts provisions under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to causing death by negligence, along with Section 110 concerning attempt to commit culpable homicide.
The magistrate stressed that failure to take legal action in such cases could set a dangerous precedent.
The order warned that if proper investigation and accountability are not ensured, future operators of boats or cruise vessels may similarly neglect passenger safety during accidents, potentially leading to repeated tragedies.
The court said it was stepping in on its own initiative to prevent recurrence of such incidents and therefore directed police to register an FIR not only against the driver operating the vessel at the time of the accident but also against other crew members present on board.
The tragic incident took place in the Bargi dam area of Jabalpur district on the evening of April 30, when the cruise boat reportedly capsized during a ride in the reservoir.
Thirteen people lost their lives in the accident, while several others were rescued.
Local authorities had earlier claimed that the mishap may have been triggered by a sudden storm and rough weather conditions.
Following the tragedy, the administration constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and examine allegations of negligence.
Responding to the court’s directive, police officials confirmed that they had received the order. However, they said the FIR process was still underway.
“We have received the order and initiated the investigation. We will soon update the court regarding the progress of the probe,” a senior police officer said.
