A tragic incident unfolded on June 20 in Assam’s Nalbari district when a small passenger ferry carrying local residents and schoolchildren capsized in the Brahmaputra River. The boat, reportedly overloaded and lacking proper safety equipment, overturned midstream due to strong river currents and imbalance caused by sudden passenger movement. The mishap occurred in the early morning hours while the boat was ferrying people to the opposite bank for school and work.
Initial reports confirm that two bodies have been recovered, while at least three individuals, including two students, remain missing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police have launched an intensive search and rescue operation, deploying boats, divers, and drones to scan the river stretch. District officials have also set up a control room for real-time updates and coordination.
Eyewitnesses allege the ferry was operating beyond its legal passenger limit and without life jackets or a safety permit. A case has been filed against the operator, who is absconding.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the deceased and ₹1 lakh as interim aid for the families of the missing. Authorities have ordered a full inquiry into the incident and pledged to improve river transport safety regulations.