Villagers claim that overloading led to the boat accident in Palnadu district

The boat tragedy, in which four people died in the Krishna river on January 14 (Sunday), was due to overloading of the boat, claimed the villagers.

A total of 10 persons were on board the fishing boat when the mishap occurred at Konuru village in Palnadu district. The victims, who attended the village festival, went for a boat ride on the river.

“Only two or three people go fishing in a fishing boat, but the boat owner has allowed 10 people,” said villager Lakshmi (name changed).

Guntur Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sarvashresth Tripathi said the boat reportedly capsized due to turbulence in the water. When all the passengers panicked and threw themselves over the side, the boat capsized, he said. “We have registered a case and started an investigation into the boat accident,” Mr. Tripathi told The Hindu on Monday.

Meanwhile, family members performed the last rites for the four victims in their native villages.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 23:07 IST