Bargi cruise probe:Commission orders evidence preservation; engines, generator to be shifted

The commission investigating the Bargi cruise tragedy, which claimed the lives of 13 people in Jabalpur, has directed the Tourism Department to remove the damaged cruise’s two engines and generator from the accident site and preserve them at a secure location. The panel said rising water levels in the Bargi Dam during the monsoon could damage these crucial pieces of evidence, potentially affecting the investigation. Technical examination may be conducted later The inquiry commission, headed by Justice Sanjay Dwivedi, said the engines and generator may require a detailed technical examination at a later stage. It stressed that preserving these components is essential to facilitate any future forensic or technical analysis. The commission also directed that all other remains of the cruise be shifted to a safe location and adequately protected. Responsibility for implementing these directions has been assigned to the concerned Tehsildar. Concerns raised over delay Some people have objected to the commission’s directive, arguing that more than two months have passed since the accident. They said it cannot be ruled out that the engines and generator may have already been tampered with during this period. According to them, the decision to preserve the equipment has come too late. Consumer forum had earlier raised similar concerns Earlier, the Citizens Consumer Forum had also expressed concerns before the commission, warning that the rising water level in Bargi Dam could submerge important evidence lying at the accident site. The forum argued that the loss of such evidence could make it difficult to determine the actual cause of the tragedy. 13 people lost their lives Thirteen people died in the Bargi cruise accident. Following the incident, the state government constituted an inquiry commission headed by Justice Sanjay Dwivedi to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy. The commission is examining the cause of the accident and is expected to conduct a technical inspection of the cruise with the assistance of experts.