Jabalpur, May 1 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday initiated stringent action against those found negligent in the cruise accident at Bargi Reservoir in Jabalpur.​

Cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, helper Chhotelal Gond, and ticket counter in-charge (Front Office Assistant) Brijendra were dismissed from service with immediate effect, the government said in a statement on Friday evening.​

It further stated that Sunil Maravi, manager of Hotel Maikal Resort and Boat Club Bargi, has been suspended for negligence in duty, while Regional Manager Sanjay Malhotra has been attached to headquarters pending a departmental inquiry.​

“No one found guilty will be spared under any circumstances,” the Chief Minister said, underlining the government’s zero-tolerance approach to lapses.​

The action came shortly after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met bereaved families during his visit to Jabalpur and reviewed the situation on the ground.​

Yadav visited Bargi Dam, where he met survivors and families of those who lost their lives.​

The visit was marked by emotional scenes, with the Chief Minister interacting with grieving relatives, consoling children, and assuring them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.​

Providing an update on the rescue operations, the Chief Minister said nine bodies have been recovered so far, while 28 people have been rescued.​

Search efforts are continuing to trace those still missing, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, and the Army engaged in coordinated operations at the site.​

Yadav said the incident has deeply shocked the entire state and emphasised that lessons would be drawn to strengthen safety mechanisms.​

He also acknowledged the role of local residents in rescue efforts, noting that workers associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission project and other civilians provided crucial assistance to official teams during the emergency.​

Announcing relief measures, the Chief Minister said the state government will provide Rs 4 lakh as financial assistance to the families of the deceased.​

PM Modi has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the victims.​

–IANS

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