Nine people drowned in Silaboti river

Midnapore, Aug 24 (UNI) Nine people, including eight women, drowned in Kethia Canal of the Silaboti river at midnight last night when their boat capsized in silaboti river.

West Midnapore District Magistrate Dusmant Nariyala said a group of people were returning home from Dewan village under Garbeta Police Station.

While the first batch, consisting of all male persons, had already crossed over to the other side, the second batch, comprising mostly wommen and children, were crossing the canal by a country boat. As the boat came mid-way, it suddenly capsized.

Bodies of four women and a child were recovered this morning.

Mr Nariyala said a team of divers is on their way to the spot.

'' I am afraid that four of them have been carried away by the river. A number of speedboats from Ghatal searched for the bodies throughout the day, but to no effect, '' he added.

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