Patna, Jan 14 (Agencies) : About 40 persons were on board the boat which was coming to Ranighat in Patna from Sabalpur diara (riverine) on the other side of River Ganga.
According to some eyewitnesses, the boat was overcrowded and was returning from a kite flying festival. The kite flying festival was organised as part of Makar Sankranti by the state tourism department.
A major rescue operation is being conducted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a probe into the incident. The CM has also instructed Principal Secretary of Health RK Mahajan and the Patna District Magistrate to ensure proper treatment of the victims of the boat tragedy