Harni boat tragedy victims’ families to get ₹32 lakh compensation each

In an order by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate V K Sambad of Vadodara, families of 12 children who lost their lives in the tragic Harni Lake boat capsizing incident will be paid a compensation of ₹31,75,700 each.

Apart from this, the families of two teachers who lost their lives will be given a compensation of ₹16,68,029 each. Two injured will be paid a compensation of ₹50,000 each.

The compensation amount will be paid along with 9% annual interest, calculated from the date the public interest application was filed until the recovery is complete.

BJP corporator Ashish Joshi, in the general meeting of Vadodara Municipal Corporation, accused the corporation of the Harni tragedy. He alleged that even after a year, the families of the victims are still pleading for help.

An amount of ₹5,000 was deducted from the pension of corporation officer Rajesh Chauhan by the municipal commissioner. As per Joshi, this proves that Chauhan was guilty. Joshi demanded a separate FIR to be filed against Chauhan. 

Joshi also noted that Kotia, the contractor, was supposed to operate pedal boats operated motor boats instead, and therefore, the compensation should be provided under the Motor Vehicle Act.

He added that not only the contractor, but even the officials were not attentive when a banquet hall was built in the lake premises and advertising hoardings were put up at the location.

All 76 members who approved the work, for the corruption in 2015-16 under the PPP model, should be held responsible, demanded Joshi.

On January 18, 2024, a boat carrying students and teachers on a school trip capsized in Vadodara's Harni lake, killing 12 children and 2 teachers.