64 missing, Prez condoles deaths, BJP for probe in AP boat mishap

Kurnool, Jan 19 (UNI) At least 64 persons have been missing in yesterday's boat capsize in Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh, according to state Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

President A P J Abdul Kalam condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy while the BJP demanded enhancement of the exgratia amount.

Speaking to newspersons here, Dr Reddy said personnel from Army, Navy and all state government departments had been pressed into service to retrieve the bodies.

About 50 swimmers and divers from the Navy had reached the spot to aid rescue operations.

The people, from 34 families, were proceeding to Machalakatta from Maravakonda on the banks of River Krishna, a distance of 1.5 km, to attend a festival at Laxminarasimha Swamy temple at Singtom.

The overcrowded country boat carrying about 75 pilgrims capsized in the river.

The victims belonged to Nandikotur, Pagidyala and Jupadu Mandals of the district. Locals rescued 15 people and rushed them to the hospital in Kallapur. Ten people were admitted to the hospital while those with minor injuries were given first aid and discharged.

In a message to Mr Reddy, Dr Kalam has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Dr Reddy announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for each of the deceased's family and Rs one lakh for each child who died.

He also announced an additional Rs 50,000 to the victims' families under the Apatbandhu Scheme besides houses under INDIRAMMA scheme.

Meanwhile, BJP Andhra Pradesh Unit President Bandaru Dattatreya in Hyderabad demanded the state government announce an exgratia of Rs three lakh to the families of the victims who drowned.

Conveying deepest condolences to the bereaved families, Mr Dattatreya asked the government to take measures to provide safe journey to the passengers on boat plying in rivers Krishna and Godavari.

Demanding a probe into the boat tragedy and action on the officials concerned, the BJP state leader said the government should provide mechanised boats replacing the country-made ones, a release said.

UNI