Chandigarh, April 11 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief on Saturday with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic boat capsizing incident near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister met with the next of kin of the deceased victims in Jagraon town in Ludhiana district, expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives.
The victims were on a pilgrimage to Vrindavan when the boat sank in the Yamuna river. So far, 11 bodies have been recovered, and a search operation is ongoing for four people who are reported missing.
Chief Minister Mann stated that the state had already dispatched teams of divers to assist in the rescue efforts, while maintaining close coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government.
Emphasizing accountability and prevention, the Chief Minister stressed that the safety and security of pilgrims at religious sites must be ensured at all costs. He also said he had taken up the matter with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to strengthen safeguards and prevent such tragedies in the future.
During a media interaction, Chief Minister Mann said, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in this unfortunate incident near Mathura. My heartfelt condolences are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. The victims were on their way to pay obeisance at Vrindavan when the boat carrying them capsized in the Yamuna river."
Eleven bodies have been recovered, and the search operation for the four missing people is still ongoing.
Emphasizing the need for preventive measures, the Punjab Chief Minister said, "I have urged the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath) to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims visiting such sacred places in the future. It is imperative that respective state governments take all necessary steps to safeguard devotees at places of immense public importance."
Sharing his sympathies, CM Mann said, "I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends of the victims. I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and give strength to the families to bear this irreparable loss. The Punjab government stands firmly with them in this hour of crisis."
