Boat Carrying Dozens Capsizes in Bahraich’s Kaudiyala River, Rescue Operations Continue Amid Missing Passengers

Bahraich News: On Wednesday afternoon, around 28 villagers from Bharatpur, a village close to the India-Nepal border in Bahraich district, boarded a small boat to attend a social program in Khairatia village. The river route was considered faster than walking miles on foot, so everyone preferred the boat ride despite the rising river current. Among them were Lakshminarayan, Rani Devi, Jyoti, and Harimohan along with many others from the same locality.

The boat was steered by Mihilal, son of Puttilal, who was confident about crossing the fast-flowing Kaudiyala River. The mood was light as they planned to attend and return together. No one imagined a tragedy was about to unfold so close to their homes and families.

How Did Tragedy Strike?

As the boat returned after the program, the water current in Kaudiyala River turned dangerously strong, caused by the recent opening of Chaudhary Charan Singh Barrage gates. The villagers, unaware of the high risk, continued their journey back home. Soon, waves rocked the wooden boat violently, causing panic among the passengers who clung to each other in fear.

Within moments, the vessel lost balance and overturned, throwing all 28 villagers into the deep water. Screams filled the air as the boat vanished beneath the river. Locals standing nearby rushed towards the banks, but the river’s pace made rescue nearly impossible.

How Many Were Rescued?

Despite the terrifying scene, a few villagers standing close to the river acted quickly to save lives. With ropes and bamboo sticks, they managed to pull out four people safely including Lakshminarayan, Harimohan, Jyoti, and Rani Devi. These survivors, though shaken, confirmed that at least 24 others had been swept away by the rapid current.

Families gathered near the banks in tears, crying out names of their missing loved ones. The sight of empty slippers, floating clothes, and overturned belongings painted a heart-wrenching image. Villagers prayed desperately as search teams prepared to enter the swollen river to hunt for the missing passengers.

What Did Administration Do?

As soon as the news broke, the local administration swung into action. SP Ramnayan Singh, ADM Amit Kumar, and SDM Mihipurwa rushed immediately to the accident site. District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi confirmed that intensive rescue work had been launched with full support from SDRF and NDRF teams.

Police cordoned off the area to prevent further chaos while officials coordinated divers and rescue boats. Barrage gates at Girijapuri were shut to slow down the river’s current, giving rescuers some chance to trace those lost under the water. The administration assured families that every possible effort would be made to bring back the missing.

What Did CM Yogi Order?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally took notice of the Bahraich boat tragedy within hours of the incident. He directed senior officials to reach the spot immediately and supervise relief operations without delay. Yogi ordered SDRF and NDRF teams to be deployed instantly for an intensive search and rescue mission.

He instructed officers to ensure medical aid, relief camps, and psychological support to the grieving families. The CM emphasized that the government’s first priority was to save as many lives as possible. His words came as a ray of hope to anxious villagers waiting along the banks for updates.

Why Was River Dangerous?

Local sources revealed that days earlier, the closure time of Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghaghra Barrage had ended, leading to the release of huge volumes of water. As a result, both Kaudiyala and Gerua rivers experienced sudden surges in flow. Villagers often used the river route because it saved time, but they underestimated the dangers of traveling during such high currents.

Experts say these conditions were highly unsafe for small boats without proper safety measures. The villagers’ desperation to save time by avoiding a long walk tragically exposed them to deadly risks. The accident became a reminder of how vulnerable rural travel still is.

What Happens Next?

Rescue teams continued their search into the night using motorboats, divers, and floodlights, as relatives waited in shock. Emotional scenes unfolded as mothers, wives, and children cried by the riverside, refusing to leave without news of their loved ones. Police documented names of the missing to avoid confusion, while doctors prepared nearby facilities for any rescued survivors.

The district administration also announced possible compensation for affected families after the rescue mission. Meanwhile, questions remain on why villagers risked river travel in such conditions. The Bahraich boat capsize has now become one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in Uttar Pradesh this year.