Intensive rescue operations are still underway in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh after a boat carrying 22 people capsized in the Kaudiyala River on Wednesday evening. One woman has been confirmed dead, while eight people, including several children, remain missing, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred near Bharatpur village under the Sujauli police station area when villagers were returning home from a local market. The boat overturned after hitting a tree branch amid a strong river current.
Soon after the mishap, local villagers managed to rescue 13 passengers safely. The body of a woman identified as Majei (60) was recovered. However, despite continuous efforts through the night, eight people are still missing.
A joint rescue operation involving teams from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local divers is in full swing. Nearly 50 personnel are searching along a 5-kilometre stretch of the river, focusing on areas where the current is particularly strong.
Devi Patan Division Commissioner Shashi Bhushan Lal and Inspector General of Police Amit Pathak visited the site to monitor the operation late Wednesday night. District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi and Superintendent of Police Ramnayan Singh are also camping at the spot to supervise the rescue efforts.
Sonapati, one of the survivors, said that the boat lost balance after striking a tree branch in the fast-flowing river. “The current was very strong. The boat overturned suddenly. Four children of my family are still missing,” she said.
The missing persons have been identified as boatman Mihilal Yadav (38), Shivanandan Maurya (50), a 28-year-old man, Sohni (5), Shivam (9), two grandsons of Ramjaiya aged 7 and 10, and Shanti’s five-year-old daughter.
Bharatpur village, located near the Nepal border within a forest reserve area, lacks permanent infrastructure. As a result, villagers depend on boats for daily commuting across the river.
Authorities said the rescue teams will continue their search operation until all missing persons are found.