Vadodara : In a bid to ensure swift and thorough investigation into the tragic Harni Talab boat accident that claimed 16 lives, the Gujarat state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Police Commissioner Manoj Ninama. The 7-member team, comprising senior police officers from various units, will delve into the causes of the accident and hold those responsible accountable.
SIT Members and Actions Taken:
- Supervision Officers: Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone-4 Vadodara Panna Momaya and Deputy Commissioner of Police of Crime Branch Yuvraj Singh Jadeja
- Investigation Officer: Assistant Commissioner of Police of Crime Branch H A Rathod
- Members: Harni Police Station PICB Tandel, Crime Branch PI MF Choudhary, DCB police station PSI PM Dhakada
The Municipal Corporation Administration has also taken swift action, sealing all entry points of Harni Pond and shutting down the food court shops located within the premises.
FIR Registered Against 18 People:
- Accused: Operators of M/s Koticha Project, including Binheet Koticha, Hitesh Koticha, Gopaldas Shah, Vatsal Shah, Deepen Shah, Dharmil Shah, Rashmikant Prajapati, Jatin Doshi, Neha Doshi, Tejal Doshi, Bhim Singh Yadav, Vedprakash Yadav, Dharmin Bhatani, Nutan Shah, Vaishali Shah, Manager Shantilal Solanki, Boat operator Nayan Gohil, and boat operator Ankit
- Charges: Negligence leading to death under sections 304, 308, 337, 338, and 114
- Complainant: Vadodara Municipal Corporation's Executive Engineer Rajesh Chauhan
The FIR highlights the responsibility entrusted to M/s Koticha Project for managing various activities in the Harni Lake Zone, including rides, food shops, blanket halls, and boating.
Ensuring Justice and Preventing Future Tragedies:
The formation of the SIT and the swift actions taken by the authorities demonstrate a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. The thorough investigation will not only determine the cause of the accident but also identify any lapses in safety protocols and regulations. This is crucial to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Harni Talab boat accident has sent shockwaves through the city of Vadodara and the entire state of Gujarat. As the investigation progresses and details emerge, it is essential to remember the victims and their families, who are enduring unimaginable grief.
