Vaishali (Bihar) [India], October 14 : Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Wednesday warned of strict action against officials found guilty of negligence in the boat capsize incident in Bihar's Vaishali district, where several children lost their lives.
The bodies of children who lost their lives were being taken for cremation today, after at least 13 children aged 15 years or below died in the tragedy. Paswan said the Central and State governments would ensure that all possible assistance reaches the affected families at the earliest.
Hajipur MP visited Nalanda Medical College Hospital to meet the children rescued from the incident and offer condolences to the affected families. He said his priority was to ensure that the admitted children received proper medical treatment and that the families were supported during this difficult time.

"We arrived here with the firm resolve to ensure there is no lapse in the medical treatment of the admitted children. We never even imagined, even in our worst nightmares, that such a heart-wrenching incident would occur, claiming the lives of so many innocent young children," Paswan told ANI.
He said that after receiving information about the incident late on Monday night, he remained in touch with the local administration and the affected families. He also visited the hospital and met families from the rural areas.
"Our aim is to stand firmly by their side during this hour of grief and to gather accurate information—including whether there was any negligence involved—since some people have alleged that a boat was requested but not provided. If that is the case, the responsible officials will not be spared," he said.
The Union Minister said it was necessary to ascertain why so many children were crossing from one side to the other late at night without administrative monitoring. He added that action would be taken against anyone found guilty after the facts emerged.
"Since yesterday, our priority has been to accelerate the rescue operations to save as many children as possible. While we cannot bring back the children we have lost, we are here to offer strength and courage to their families during this difficult time," he said.
Paswan said both the Central and Bihar governments must act promptly to ensure proper treatment for the injured and support for the affected families.
"Today, I am going there myself. Regarding those who have lost their lives in this hour of grief, they will never return. But at least regarding the treatment of those who are currently undergoing care and the affected families, we must consider how they can be supported. Whether it is the Central Government or the State Government, both must fulfil their roles with the utmost promptness. That will certainly be my endeavour," he said.
He added that the incident had been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had also expressed grief and condolences.
"When I received news of this incident late last night, the matter was brought to the Prime Minister's notice as well. He, too, regarding this incident, has expressed his grief and condolences," Paswan said.
He further said that he had stepped away from a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to visit the affected families and assess the situation.
"There was a Cabinet meeting today, but I stepped away from it, coming here with the intention of standing by the affected families during this time of sorrow and considering how, in the future, the situation can be improved. We will work towards this—both the Central Government and the Bihar Government," he said.
Paswan said compensation had also been announced for the affected families, adding that the aim was to ensure that assistance reached them as quickly as possible so they would not have to worry about other matters during their time of distress.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, the minister said the visuals that emerged on Monday night showing the plight of young children had been difficult to comprehend.
"It is hard to believe—ever since those pictures and visuals surfaced last night showing the plight of such small children. Losing anyone causes pain, but that anguish is compounded when the bodies of such young children are among the deceased," he said.
Asked about allegations that villagers had requested a boat but were not provided one, Paswan said he would be in a better position to comment after visiting the site and speaking to the villagers.
"It seems the villagers had requested a boat. If such a request was made and a boat was not provided, then it is certainly a case of gross negligence, and action will be taken against whoever is found responsible," he said.
He added that the circumstances leading to the incident needed to be established, particularly whether the administration had been informed about the situation beforehand.
"If this incident occurred due to a lack of information, that is one thing; but if the administration was informed and the incident happened due to their negligence, then—by bringing the matter to the attention of the Chief Minister of Bihar—we will ensure that the strictest possible action is taken against the guilty official," Paswan said.
Asked whether he would meet the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the issue, Paswan said he would first meet the villagers and then work towards addressing their concerns.
"First, I will go and meet the villagers; after that, we will do everything possible for their better future, based on the demands they place before us," he said.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday expressed grief over the several lives lost in a boat accident in the Raghopur area of Vaishali district and announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
At least 13 people were killed when a boat capsized in the Raghopur Diara area, officials said.
Meanwhile, four children rescued from the boat capsize incident in the Raghopur Diara area of Vaishali district recounted how the boat began taking in water before eventually capsizing.
"There were 25 people on the boat, including me. I was rescued by my grandfather," said survivor Ashwini Kumar.

Another survivor, Aditya Kumar, told ANI that a hole in the boat allowed water to seep in and the situation worsened as the vessel began going down.
"There was a small hole in the boat through which the water started seeping in. When the boat started going down, more water started coming in. Ultimately, it capsized. Those who could not get off the boat on time could not survive. I held on to the feet of a man; he hoisted me up on his shoulders. He called another man; he gave me a thick branch of a tree to hold on to; he then swapped with me and brought me to the shore. That is how I survived," he said.
Abhiraj said around 20 people were aboard the boat when it suddenly began capsizing. "There was a hole in the boat. I jumped into the water before it entirely capsized. My grandfather saved me. Others with me drowned," he said.
Another survivor, Ansh, said one of the men aboard initially attempted to remove the water from the boat, but the water continued to enter at a faster rate.
"There was a hole in the boat. So, water started seeping in. One man tried to throw out the water but when we reached a little further, the water started coming in faster. Ultimately, the entire boat was filled with water. It then capsized," he said.
Commenting on criticism over the absence of a Raghopur MLA, Tejashwi Yadav, Paswan said elected representatives might have commitments elsewhere but should prioritise the people they represent during a crisis.
"Look, wherever you may be, as an elected representative, you might well have commitments elsewhere. And several of his family members do live in Delhi. However, in a moment like that, it is essential to be among your own people," he said.
Referring to his own visit, Paswan said he had also been in Delhi for a Cabinet meeting scheduled for 11 am but chose to visit the affected families.
"You must prioritise the people from whom you seek votes during elections; when they are facing a time of distress, your primary obligation should be towards them; you ought to stand by them during this difficult time," he said.
Speaking on the incident, Independent MP Pappu Yadav said, "Does the government care at all?... Who is responsible for the boats that are capsizing? You don't punish the officials, you don't provide boats on time.... I am going to Raghopur today and will help the families....The situation in Bihar is not good..."
Further, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sanjay Jaiswal said that action will be taken against whoever is found guilty. "It is a tragic incident, and everyone is aware of it. Hon'ble Chirag-ji is visiting his Lok Sabha constituency today, having received the information yesterday. The prevailing circumstances are evident to all, but action will be taken against whoever is found guilty," he told reporters.