Boat that capsized in Bihar had a hole and was overloaded, say police

The boat, which capsized, killing 13 minors in the Ganga in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday (October 13), was dilapidated with a hole in the deck and was overloaded, police said on Wednesday (October 14, 2026).

Vaishali police said the country-made boat could barely carry five people and had sailed after sunset, violating the rules. They said water had entered through the hole.

The Vaishali district administration issued showcause notices to the circle officer and station house officer of Raghopur. Patna and Bhagalpur district authorities sounded alerts over plying of boats in the Ganga.

Vaishali District Magistrate, Varsha Singh, said, “Action will be taken against the boat owner, the operator, and everyone involved, including the officials responsible for monitoring the situation. It was a private boat.”