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MP court orders FIR registration in Jabalpur boat tragedy that killed 13 people
A cruise boat tragedy at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur killed 13 people and left 28 rescued on April 30, 2026. On May 5, 2026, a Judicial Magistrate took cognisance and directed the Bargi police to register an FIR within two days, citing potential culpable homicide by the crew. The state government had ordered a probe into the incident.
Why It Matters
The ruling establishes potential accountability for operators and crew in maritime incidents and sets a deadline for formal investigations, signaling a push for safety and due process.
Timeline
2 Events
Jabalpur court takes cognisance; orders FIR registration
May 5, 2026
Judicial Magistrate First Class D P Sutrakar took cognisance of the incident and directed Bargi police to register an FIR within two days. The court said the driver’s and crew’s failure to rescue drowning passengers constitutes an attempt to commit culpable homicide under sections 106 and 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It noted suo motu cognisance, commended rescuers, and ordered the police to inform the court of FIR registration within two days.
Cruise boat capsizes at Bargi Dam reservoir; 13 killed, 28 rescued
April 30, 2026
A cruise boat operated by the Madhya Pradesh state tourism department capsized in the Bargi Dam reservoir in Jabalpur district, killing 13 people (including women and children) and leaving 28 rescued.