Wreckage of cruise ship carrying 29 passengers capsizes in Bargi dam reservoir due to sudden storm in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh | Photo credit: PTI
The Madhya Pradesh government has set up a one-member judicial commission to conduct an inquiry into the cruise ship accident at Bargi dam that claimed 13 lives, a senior official said.
The panel will submit its report to the government within three months, an official said on Sunday (May 10, 2026). A cruise ship operated by the Madhya Pradesh tourism department capsized at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur district on April 30, killing 13 persons, including women and children, while 28 others were rescued.
The commission, set up on Sunday (May 10) under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Sanjay Dwivedi, will investigate the cause of the accident, examine whether adequate rescue and relief measures were taken and determine responsibility, the official said.
It will also make provision for auditing and certification of ships, cruises and water sports under the Inland Vessels Act 2021 and the NDMA Ship Safety Guidelines 2017.
Besides, the commission will create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operation and maintenance of ships, cruises and water sports and for setting up a rapid response team at places where such activities take place, the official said.
The commission will complete the probe and submit its report to the government within three months from the date of notification in the State Gazette, the official added.
A judicial commission is considered important because it has more public credibility and institutional weight than a normal ministerial inquiry.
Published – 11 May 2026 08:49 IST
