Desk Correspondent , Bhopal - Nine people are confirmed dead and several remain missing after an MP Tourism cruise boat, the Narmada Queen, capsized during a violent storm at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur. Survivors allege the vessel was permitted to sail despite a weather department "orange alert" forecasting heavy rain and gusty winds reaching 40-50 k m/h. Local authorities and rescue teams recovered five bodies on Friday, while divers continue searching for five others, including four children.

Investigation into the tragedy has revealed severe safety negligence, with passengers claiming that life jackets were locked below deck and not distributed upon boarding. As the storm struck, a "mad rush" ensued to retrieve the equipment from the lower floor, leading to panic and scuffles. Some survivors even alleged that the pilot and crew abandoned the ship before it overturned, though the pilot has denied these claims, asserting the vessel sank in seconds as passengers crowded to one side.

The Madhya Pradesh government has faced criticism over the operation of the 90-passenger vessel, which reportedly took on extra riders for its final trip of the day. While tourism officials insist the boat was well-maintained, witnesses on the shore claimed their warnings to turn back were ignored by the helmsman minutes before the capsize. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that while 29 tickets were officially issued, the actual number of people on board remains under scrutiny.