Bihar: 8 feared drowned as overcrowded boat sinks in Ganga

The incident occurred near Singal Tola on Thursday as the boat carrying people returning home from work in the fields, was overloaded.

Eight persons were feared drowned while 20 others swam to safety when an overcrowded boat capsized in Ganga river in Manihari area in Katihar district, police said.

Eight people were feared drowned after an overcrowded boat capsized in Ganga river in Katihar (PTI File Photo)

Local divers and an NDRF team were pressed into service to search for those missing, Manihari circle officer Chandra Kumar said.

The incident occurred near Singal Tola on Thursday as the boat carrying people returning home from work in the fields, was overloaded, Kumar said.

Baldeo Mandal and Satish Paswan, who were among those who swam to safety, said six missing people hailed from Naya Tola Baghmara while two belonged to Mandal Tola. The injured were being treated at Manihari primary health centre, the official said.