Ganga Boat Crackdown in Varanasi: 8 FIRs Filed, 11 Boats Seized After Collision Scare
Varanasi: In a major crackdown following a recent boat collision incident in Varanasi, the police have registered multiple FIRs against boat operators for negligence and violation of safety norms on the Ganga river. The action comes after a boat reportedly sank during a collision, and several passengers were found without life jackets.
After issuing a revised advisory regarding boat operations, a joint team of Varanasi Police and Jal Police conducted an intensive search operation across the river stretch from Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat. The inspection was carried out under the supervision of ACP Gaurav Kumar and ACP Dr. Atul Anjan Tripathi. Police teams from Dashashwamedh and Bhelupur circles checked more than 150 boats during the drive.
During the checking, several boats were found carrying passengers beyond permitted capacity and without mandatory life jackets. Based on complaints filed by Assi Chowki Incharge Ranjit Kumar Srivastava, five FIRs were registered, while Dashashwamedh Chowki registered three additional cases.
Seven boat operators have been named in the FIRs, and cases have also been filed against 12 unidentified boat operators. Police stated that these unidentified boats have been marked and names will be added after verification. The cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
ACP Gaurav Kumar said that strict enforcement is underway to ensure passenger safety, and carrying life jackets is mandatory for all boats operating on the river. ACP Atul Tripathi added that the joint advisory makes it clear that overloading and high-speed operation will not be tolerated.
A total of 11 boats were seized during the operation. Police said that in many cases, nearly 80 percent of passengers were not wearing life jackets. The seized boats have been tied at the ghats, and passengers have also been urged to follow safety guidelines while traveling on the river.