A severe disaster was narrowly averted on the night of October 2 in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district after a small boat carrying 12 people capsized in deep floodwaters. The accident took place in Bindki tehsil along the submerged stretch between Jade Ka Purwa and Awseri Kheda, which had been washed away following a surge in the Ganga river. The passengers, including young children, were returning home after watching a wrestling match in Galatha village when their small dinghy suddenly lost stability and tipped over into the torrent. Hearing desperate cries for help in the dark, nearby residents and alert police personnel rushed into waist-deep water to pull every passenger to safety.
Submerged Route Leaves Commuters Dependant on Small Boats
The incident stems from severe flooding caused by the Ganga flowing above the danger mark, which completely eroded a major section of the Jade Ka Purwa-Awseri Kheda road and snapped regular connectivity. Cut off from main roadways, local residents have had no alternative but to navigate water-filled gaps using small boats to reach nearby towns for daily provisions. Around 9:00 PM on October 2, a group of 12 residents from Awseri Kheda and Jade Ka Purwa, including Harelal, Balkrishna, Amar, and Kundan, boarded a small dinghy to make their way back from the wrestling event. Midstream, the vessel lost balance and overturned, plunging all 12 occupants into deep water and setting off panic.
Midnight Rescue Conducted Under Torchlight and Mobile Beams
Cries for help from the capsized passengers quickly alerted people in the vicinity. Realizing the gravity of the situation, local police units and villagers mobilized instantly to initiate rescue operations. Pitch darkness made the operation particularly difficult, forcing rescuers to rely solely on torches and smartphone flashlights to spot those struggling in the water. Showing exceptional courage, a uniformed police officer waded into waist-deep water to lift a child into his arms and carry him safely to dry land. Thanks to the coordinated intervention of the villagers and police officers, all 12 individuals were successfully rescued without any casualties or major injuries.
Scarcity of Official Boats Sparks Concerns Over Commuter Safety
The mishap has brought administrative arrangements under scrutiny from affected residents. Villagers stated that despite the road being severed by rising waters, adequate government boats and designated boatmen were not stationed at the crossing, forcing locals to depend on fragile private dinghies for essential transport. Residents noted that the area faces similar waterlogging every year during flood season and demanded a permanent solution, such as an elevated bridge or a raised embankment road. Although an attempt was made to contact the District Magistrate regarding these grievances, no response was received.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Orders In-Depth Inquiry
Taking note of the incident, Bindki Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nishant Tiwari stated that instructions had already been issued to position boats and boatmen along the affected route. He affirmed that an in-depth inquiry would be conducted to ascertain how the boat managed to overturn despite existing orders and to identify any procedural lapses. For now, the successful rescue of all 12 passengers has brought immense relief to the families in Jade Ka Purwa and Awseri Kheda.
