Vadodara Scandal: Suo Moto Plea Urges Judge’s Intervention, Court Seeks Documents and Newspaper Reports

In a compelling demonstration of legal leadership, Brijesh Trivedi, the President of the Gujarat High Court Advocate Association, has taken a proactive stance by submitting a suo motu application in the court of the Chief Justice, addressing the critical issue of the Vadodara accident. Trivedi, recognizing the gravity of the incident, advocates for the High Court’s independent intervention through suo motu proceedings.

Highlighting the tragic nature of the Vadodara accident, Brijesh Trivedi’s initiative emphasizes the need for the High Court to take cognizance of the matter on its own accord. This approach underscores a commitment to swift and thorough legal action in response to a situation of profound significance.

Following Trivedi’s submission, the court has responded by formally requesting the submission of essential documents, including relevant newspaper reports detailing the Vadodara accident.

Tragic Boating Incident Claims Lives of School Children in Vadodara

In a devastating event that unfolded yesterday, a major tragedy struck at Motnath Lake in Harni, Vadodara city. The incident involved students from classes 1 to 6 of New Sunrise School, Vadodara, who were on an excursion to Motnath Lake. Tragedy struck during a boating activity when the boat, exceeding its capacity with children, capsized during its round of the lake. Regrettably, 23 students and 4 teachers lost their lives in the incident, with a total of 14 casualties confirmed.

Reports indicate that prompt rescue efforts by the fire department prevented further loss of life. A total of 11 children and 2 teachers were successfully rescued from the water. The tragic incident prompted an immediate response from both local firefighters and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, who conducted a coordinated rescue operation at the site.

Tragedy Strikes Gozara: Overloaded Boat Claims 27 Lives in Vadodara’s Harni Lake

In a heart-wrenching incident at Harni Lake in Vadodara’s Gozara, the capsizing of an overloaded boat resulted in the loss of 27 lives. The tragic accident has sparked widespread grief and concern throughout Gujarat. The ill-fated incident took place at a lake that had undergone development as part of a municipal initiative formulated seven years ago.

Several months prior, the Vadodara municipality had outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance the lake located on the outskirts of the city. The development initiative aimed to provide not only cleanliness but also recreational facilities to the local community. In 2017, the municipal contract for this ambitious project was awarded to Kotia Projects under the management of Paresh Shah.

However, recent revelations indicate that the contract subsequently changed hands, with Paresh Shah assigning it to another company. The tragedy has shed light on a potential disregard for safety protocols, as the boat involved in the incident was designed to accommodate a maximum of 17 people, in accordance with safety regulations. Shockingly, it was reported that 27 individuals were onboard at the time of the incident.

Further exacerbating the situation, it was noted that a fee of Rs 60 per person, including children above 5 years, was charged for access to the lake. This has led to speculation that the tragic incident may have been influenced by financial motivations, compromising the safety of those on board.

Absence of Safety Measures Heightens Tragedy at Harni Lake in Vadodara

The unfortunate incident at Harni Lake in Vadodara’s Gozara was exacerbated by the glaring absence of essential safety measures, as revealed by eyewitnesses. At the time of the incident, the lake lacked a designated safety guard, leaving only boatmen and shopkeepers present. Shockingly, the absence of life jackets was evident, with only a few boating boys equipped with this crucial safety gear, significantly disproportionate to the number of individuals present.

Eyewitness accounts underscore the lack of adequate safety provisions, emphasizing that the absence of trained swimmers or safety personnel on the lake further intensified the gravity of the situation. As children were initially engaged in recreational activities, the absence of vigilant supervision became evident when chaos ensued, and tragedy struck.

The scarcity of life jackets and the absence of safety personnel became glaringly apparent when a distress call was made, and tragedy unfolded. Despite the immediate response of the fire brigade, police teams, and government employees, the lack of preemptive safety measures has raised pertinent questions regarding the overall preparedness and adherence to safety standards at recreational facilities.

Locals Play Pivotal Role in Rescue Operation

Amidst the heartbreaking incident at Harni Lake in Vadodara’s Gozara, the valor of local residents has shone through, with the majority of the rescue operation being carried out by the community. The fire brigade team, contributing to 80 percent of the recovery efforts, was complemented and supported extensively by the proactive involvement of locals.

In a remarkable display of unity and resilience, residents residing near the lake rushed to the scene upon learning about the incident. Braving the distressing circumstances, these community members actively participated in the rescue efforts, working tirelessly to save the children and teachers caught in the tragic incident.

Eyewitness Account Unveils Tragedy: Heroic Efforts Amidst Desperation at Harni Lake

In a poignant testimony to the unfolding tragedy at Harni Lake, Mohit Patel, a key figure in the recovery efforts, provided a harrowing account of the incident. The ill-fated school tour comprised 30 children and 4 accompanying teachers, and tragedy struck when 27 boys were loaded onto a boat that capsized shortly thereafter.

Mohit Patel recounted the chaotic scene, highlighting the gravity of the situation as the boat capsized a short distance from its starting point. Amidst the distressing circumstances, children with life jackets were gradually saved, while locals and other boatmen played a pivotal role in rescuing those who were struggling in the water.

Reflecting on his involvement, Patel expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “There were constant cries for help from the children. It was a heartbreaking scene.” His efforts led to the transportation of 9 children to Janvi Hospital, with an additional 6 children being transferred to SSG Hospital. The immediate response and courage displayed by Patel and others in the community underscore the resilience and collective spirit that emerged amidst the tragedy.

Tragedy Unfolds in Vadodara: 14 Lives Lost, Investigations Underway

The Vadodara Harni Lake disaster has claimed the lives of 12 innocent children and 2 teachers, leaving the community in mourning. In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Vadodara crime branch has taken swift action, detaining three individuals in connection with the tragedy. Shockingly, the primary contractor, Paresh Shah, is currently absconding, intensifying the legal proceedings.

The focus of the investigation has widened, with a complaint now lodged at the Harni police station against the managers of M/s Kotia project, further implicating those associated with the development of the lake. The case, filed under sections 304, 308, 337, 338, and 114, points to allegations of negligence and carelessness on the part of 18 individuals.

Complaint Lodged Against 18 Individuals for Negligence and Carelessness in Vadodara Harni Lake Tragedy

In the wake of the Vadodara Harni Lake disaster, a formal complaint has been filed against 18 individuals on charges of negligence and carelessness. The accused are identified as follows:

1. Beeneet Kotia (U.V.32) – Res. 10, Nilkanth Bungalow, Taksh Complex, Vasna Road, Vadodara
2. Hitesh Kotia (U.W.55) – Res. 10, Nilkanth Bungalow, Taksh Complex, Vasana Road, Vadodara
3. Gopaldas Shah (U.W.58) – Res. P/3 Vaikuth Flat, VIP. Road, Karelibagh, Vadodara
4. Vatsal Shah (O.W.25) – Res. N/20 Parvatinagar Society, Opposite Swaminarayan Nagar-4, Harni Road, Vadodara City
5. Dipen Shah (U.V. 24) – Res. 64, Punitnagar GIB Colony, Old Padra Road, Vadodara
6. Dharmil Shah (U.W.27) – Res. 64, Punitnagar Dist. I. B. Colony, Old Padra Road, Vadodara
7. Rashmikant C. Prajapati (U.W.46) – Res. 38, Karmvirvilla Santram Dairy Road, Vadodara
8. Jatinkumar Harilal Doshi (U.V.64) – Res. 4, Ayodhyapuri Society, Bhadrava Chowk, Savli, Vadodara
9. Neha D. Doshi (U.W.30) – Res. 4, Ayodhyapuri Society, Bhadrava Chowk, Sawali, Vadodara
10. Tejal Ashishkumar Doshi (U.V.46) – Res. 24, Vajvihar Society, Airport, Harni Road, Vadodara
11. Bhimsingh Kudiaram Yadav (U.W.36) – Res. B/14 Vallabh Township, Lakhuleshnagar, Ajwarod, Vadodara
12. Vaid Prakash Yadav (U.V.50) – Res. A/3 Vallabh Township, Labuleshnagar, Ajwarod, Vadodara
13. Dharmin Bhatani – Resided in (U.W.34) – 34, Ambe Society, Sunshine Hospital, Diwalipura, Vadodara
14. Nutanben P. Shah (U.V.48) – Res. N/20, Parvati Nagar, Swaminarayan Nagar-4, Harni Road, Vadodara
15. VISHAKHIBEN P.SHAH (U.W.22) – Parvati Nagar, Swaminarayan Nagar-4, Harni Road, Vadodara
16. Manager Harni Laczone – Shantilal Solanki
17. Boat Operator – Nayan Gohil
18. Boat Operator named Ankit

The charges against these individuals include sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 114 (abettor present when the crime is committed) of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint underscores the gravity of their alleged negligence, contributing to the tragic loss of lives in the Vadodara Harni Lake incident. Legal proceedings are underway to investigate and address the charges against the accused.