Assam ferry mishap: Search operations still on in Dhubri

May 7, 2012

Guwahati/Dhubri: Search operations in Assam’s boat tragedy at Dhubri continued for the eighth day today with the army, NDRF and BSF trying to trace victims.

Police said no bodies were found either yesterday or today.

Bodies of 38 victims have been recovered, according to official figures.

Bodies of 38 victims have been recovered, according to official figures. Screengrab from IBNlive.com

The state government has said there were 205 persons who had booked their tickets in the ill-fated ferry from Medertary while only 42 victims have been registered as officially missing.

Government spokesman Rockybul Hussain said yesterday that the exact number of passengers feared dead could not be officially declared as long as the relatives of those missing do not register their names with the district administration.

Meanwhile, to stop the practice of plying of overloaded ferries on the Brahmaputra, the state transport department has instructed district transport officers and enforcement staff to take strict action and impose fines as per the Motor Vehicles Act.

PTI

Firstpost encourages open discussion and debate, but please adhere to the rules below, before posting. Comments that are found to be in violation of any one or more of the guidelines will be automatically deleted:

Personal attacks/name calling will not be tolerated. This applies to comments directed at the author, other commenters and other politicians/public figures

Please do not post comments that target a specific community, caste, nationality or religion.

While you do not have to use your real name, any commenters using any Firstpost writer's name will be deleted, and the commenter banned from participating in any future discussions.

Comments will be moderated for abusive and offensive language.

Please read our comments and moderation policy before posting