In another tragic accident, a motor boat capsized in the Brahmaputra near Ashwaklanta temple in North Guwahati today (Sep 5) afternoon after it developed a technical snag, hit the poles of the JIKA-sponsored water supply project and capsized in the middle of the river.
The bodies of three persons, two of them students of Cotton State University named Ankita Baruah and Dimpy Bora, have been recovered while seventeen people have reportedly been rescued so far. At least 17 others are still missing as a massive operation has been launched to rescue possible survivors.
The motor boat that was also named ‘BRAHMAPUTRA’ was carrying 36 passengers and had taken off from Guwahati to Madhyam Khanda Ghat in North Guwahati when it hit the poles and capsized near the Ashwaklanta temple.
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Six among the seventeen persons rescued so far have been identified as Rakesh Saha (45), Pijushi Saha (4) and Rinki Saha (28) from Lumding, Jitumoni Das (38) and Minakshi Das (30) from Rajaduwar and Nur-Uddin (26) of Boko.
The Army and the Navy have also been asked to assist rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief over the accident and loss of lives and has announced a probe into the incident.
