UP: Three drown as boat capsizes in Gandak river in Kushinagar

GORAKHPUR: Three persons drowned after a boat carrying 10 people capsized in Narayani river in Kushinagar on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to conduct rescue work and provide all possible medical assistance to the survivors. The district administration also announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.
Police said the incident took place when a group of villagers were crossing the river on a boat to reach their paddy fields.
Locals heard the cries for help and rushed to the spot. They informed the police after which divers were pressed into service.
Seven persons were rescued by the divers but three others could not be saved.
The victims were identified as Asma Khatoon (38), Gudia (17), and Soni (16). All the deceased were from Khadda area under Hanumanganj police station.
“The government is with the families of the victims. On the directives of the chief minister, the families of the deceased will get Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Relief Fund,” said Khadda MLA Vivekananad Pandey