In Uttar Pradesh, with the recovery of more bodies from Ganga River today, the death toll in the Balia boat tragedy has climbed to 60. Among the dead were 20 children, 20 women and 20 men, of which 56 have been identified. The Deputy Director General of Police Azamgarh told our Lucknow correspondent that search will continue by this evening. The incident occurred yesterday when a boat carrying villagers, mainly from four families was proceeding from Ojhawalia ghat to attend a family function on the other side of the river and capsized. A magisterial inquiry had been ordered into the cause of the mishap. Chief Minister Mayawati had announced an ex-gratia of one lakh rupees each to the kin of those killed in the mishap.<br/><br/>
News On AIR | June 15, 2010 2:24 PM
Death toll in Balia boat tragedy rises to 60