AP CM Naidu Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex Gratia for Victims of Krishna River Boat Tragedy
SINGAPORE/AMARAVATI, June 14 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident in the Krishna River near Konuru village in Palnadu district that claimed four lives.
According to officials, the boat capsized after reportedly hitting a sandbank in the river at around 2 p.m., resulting in the deaths of three children and an adult.
The deceased were identified as Gandham Sandra (9), Gandham Saini (10), Battula Karthik (12) and Konata Chaitanya (28).
Currently on an official visit to Singapore, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation over the phone with the Palnadu District Collector and other senior officials.
Naidu announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and directed the district administration to ensure immediate disbursement of the compensation.
He also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident by a team comprising officials from the Revenue, Police and Irrigation departments.
The Chief Minister instructed authorities to submit a detailed report on the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Responsibility for follow-up action has been entrusted to Disaster Management Authority official Prakhar Jain, Information and Public Relations Department Director Viswanath and district authorities concerned.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that six other passengers on board the boat were rescued safely.
The bodies of the victims have been recovered and shifted to a nearby government hospital for post-mortem examination. They will be handed over to the families after completion of the formalities.
Naidu conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to them.
TNT KS
