Chilika boat mishap: Four persons including boat owner held

Khurda: A day after the boat capsize incident in Chilika lake, the Balugaon police today arrested four persons including the boat owner and forwarded them to court. Based on a complaint filed by Chilika Tehsildar and Chilika Fisheries Officer, the police registered a case and nabbed Ashok Kumar Jali, Shatrughna Jali, Bisekh Jali and Nabaghana Jali.

This apart, the local administration has decided to inspect boats and trawlers for their licences, fitness certificates and presence of safety equipments life jackets and buoys from tomorrow.

Yesterday evening, a boat carrying 18 picnickers from Barakul, Chandraput and Ankula villages capsized in Chilika lake. After hearing cries for help, fishermen in nearby boats rescued eleven persons. With the help of Fire Services and ODRAF personnel, other seven persons were rescued later.

It seems the Odisha government has not learnt a lesson despite occurrence of boat capsize incidents in the past. Most of the trawlers and boats do not have either the required licence and fitness certificates or safety equipments.

The lackadaisical attitude of the local administration has resulted in the loss of precious lives due to boat mishaps, a local said.