Kerala Boat Tragedy: CM Vijayan Announces Judicial Probe And Rs 10 Lakh Ex Gratia, Visits Injured — Details

The Kerala government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Malappuram boat capsize incident and has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the kin of the deceased.

Kerala government orders judicial probe, CM Pinarayi Vijayan visits injured in the Malappuram hospital. ( Image Source :PTI )

Kerala Boat Tragedy: The Kerala government on Monday ordered a judicial probe into the incident where a houseboat with tourists capsized in the Malappuram district killing 22 people. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the kin of victims and the state government will bear the expenses for the treatment of the injured, reported ANI citing Kerala CMO. The statement added that a police team will also investigate the matter.

According to ANI, the CMO said, "A comprehensive judicial inquiry will be conducted into the boat accident. Rs 10 lakhs compensation for the dependents of deceased persons. The government will bear the treatment expenses of the injured people. A special team of police will also investigate the incident."

PTI reported that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the probe and the compensation after an all-party meeting held at Tanur in which senior opposition leaders also participated.

"The all-party meeting has decided for a judicial inquiry in this matter. The probe will cover the technical issues related to the boat's safety among other matters. A judicial commission comprising technical experts will be formed. A Special investigation team of the Kerala police will also probe the matter," Vijayan told the media, as quoted by PTI.

The CM further said the government had earlier set up a safety protocol for tourist boats and will examine whether they were followed or not in connection with the incident. He also informed that two out of the ten admitted to the hospital have been discharged and eight persons were under treatment.

Meanwhile, CM Vijayan reached Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram on Monday where survivors of the incident are admitted. 

Malappuram boat accident: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan arrives at Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the incident are admitted.

22 people lost their lives after a tourist boat capsized last night. pic.twitter.com/7NSZKPjmki

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2023

The accident happened after a houseboat with more than 30 passengers on board capsized and sank near the Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area of Malappuram district on Sunday, the state government had said.

While talking to reporters, Revenue Minister K Rajan said, "Death toll rises to 22. The exact number of people who were travelling on the boat could not be confirmed. CM will reach here at around 9.30 am. Search operation is underway. NDRF, fire and Scuba diving teams are conducting the search operation. Navy's team has also come forward. Coast Guard arrived yesterday. The second team of NDRF will also reach here."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of the deceased and announced a Rs 2 lakh ex gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).