A Jabalpur district court has ordered the registration of an FIR against a cruise boat pilot and others following a tragic accident that claimed 13 lives after a boat capsized in a river.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the court pointed to apparent negligence on part of the operator. It observed that the pilot, despite being aware of the situation, allegedly secured his own safety but failed to make any effort to rescue the passengers, effectively abandoning them during the emergency.

In its order, the court directed that an FIR be registered under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 110 (culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The court stressed that failure to investigate such incidents could set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing operators to evade responsibility in similar situations in the future.

At the same time, the court acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of individuals who tried to rescue those who were drowning.

The incident took place at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur district, where a cruise boat capsized. Authorities confirmed that search operations have now concluded, with the recovery of all missing persons. The death toll stands at 13, and the bodies have been sent for postmortem.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh has been declared for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive ₹50,000. He also noted that the local administration is extending support to those affected by the tragedy.