Kendrapara boat tragedy death toll rises to 9, CM announces exgratia

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased in the Kendrapara boat tragedy that claimed nine lives.
The Chief Minister also announced free treatment to the injured ones.
The number of deaths in the tragic boat capsize incident in Mahanadi river in Kendrapara district has increased to nine so far.
The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Swain, Ishan Dalei, Sushree Pallavi Swain, Anu Tarai, Sai Tarai, Debashish Sahu, Debasmita Pani, Rojalin Sahu and Dhanu Sahu. They were residents of Hasina village in Kujang area of Jagatsinghpur district.
The ill-fated country boat carrying around 55 persons had capsized in Mahanadi river confluence near Nipania under Mahakalapada block on Wednesday.
The mishap took place when the victims were returning from a picnic.
Though the exact reason behind the incident was yet to ascertained, initial reports suggested that overcrowding and poor condition of the boat were held responsible for the mishap.