Banswara, May 5 (IANS) A boat carrying 10 people capsized in the Mahi river in Rajasthan’s Banswara on Tuesday, leaving two persons, including an eight-year-old child, missing.

Eight people, including the boatman, managed to swim to safety, officials said.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near Bhaisau village under the Arthuna police station limits.

According to officials, the boat overturned nearly 200 metres from the riverbank.

The missing persons have been identified as 21-year-old Jayesh and eight-year-old Manav.

Rescue operations are underway, with teams from police, Civil Defence, and the State Disaster Response Force deployed at the site.

Local divers and villagers have also joined the search efforts.

As the rescue efforts intensified, Banswara Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi said that police personnel have been deployed and SDRF teams are actively searching for the missing individuals.

Officials added that a team of around 10 members is carrying out the search operation using two boats, which will continue till nightfall.

Efforts have also been intensified by involving local fishermen to assist in locating the victims and the submerged boat, which has not yet been recovered.

All passengers were residents of Bhano Ka Pada village and had visited the Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple for prayers.

After the visit, they went boating on the river when the accident occurred.

The boatman reportedly fled the site after the incident.

Preliminary information indicates that none of the passengers were provided with life jackets.

Officials suspect overcrowding may have contributed to the accident.

The accident site lies at a river confluence where the Mahi, Anas, and Jakham rivers meet.

The Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Banswara, remains submerged for nearly eight months every year due to water levels.

Authorities continue search operations amid growing concern among family members, who are anxiously awaiting updates.

–IANS

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