Boat capsizes during idol immersion in Kota; two dead, two missing

A tragic incident unfolded in Kota on Friday when a boat overturned while ferrying devotees during Ganesh idol immersion rituals near Steel Bridge. The vessel, which was carrying seven occupants, capsized in the waters, leading to a major rescue operation.

Disaster management teams recovered the bodies of Suraj Singh and Vikas Verma from the river. Both men were among the passengers on the ill-fated boat. Authorities have launched intensive search operations to locate the two remaining missing persons, identified as cousins Rahul Joshi and Ashu Joshi.

The incident occurred during the festive season when large numbers of devotees gather for idol immersion ceremonies, a significant religious tradition across India. Local authorities have cordoned off the area and deployed rescue teams to search the surrounding waters. Details regarding the exact cause of the capsizing and the condition of the surviving passengers are being investigated.

The tragic event has prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures during idol immersion drives, particularly for boats and water transport used to carry devotees and idols during the festival season.