CPI(M) demands judicial probe into boat tragedy

CPI (M) today demanded a judicial probe into the Fort Kochi boat tragedy in which 10 people were killed and several injured.
After visiting houses of victims in and around the city, CPI(M) state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said a special financial package should be given to poor families of those who died and injured in the mishap.
"A judicial probe is required in this incident. Kochi Corporation and Port Department are also responsible for the tragedy. The boat was very old and it was given fitness certificate till 2017. So cases should be registered against the corporation and the contractor of the boat service," Balakrishnan told reporters here.

Noting that the government has so far not announced a probe into the incident, the CPI (M) leader said a judicial probe can throw light into various aspects of tragedy.
The Commission should also be authorised to examine the reports submitted by judicial commissions that probed boat similar tragedies earlier in the state, Balakrishnan said.
It will reveal the actions taken by the government to prevent such tragedies, he said.
Police said initial investigation indicated that there were about 35 people in the boat, said to be over three-decades old, when it was on its way from Vypin to Fort Kochi on Wednesday.