A district court in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has instructed local authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the operator of a cruise boat that sank in the Bargi reservoir on April 30. The court’s ruling emphasized that the crew’s alleged neglect in failing to rescue passengers from drowning could lead to serious criminal charges.

Judicial Magistrate First Class D.P. Sutrakar took note of media reports and social media discussions regarding the incident and ordered the Bargi police station to register an FIR, requiring a report back to the court within two days.

In a ruling dated May 5, the court indicated that the operator of the boat may have acted negligently, resulting in the vessel’s capsizing, which tragically claimed the lives of several individuals. The magistrate pointed out that the operator, who was familiar with the boat’s operations, “abandoned the drowning individuals and managed to escape,” further highlighting the gravity of the situation.

According to the magistrate’s order, the operator’s inaction in attempting to assist the drowning passengers may violate provisions under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 110 regarding the attempt to commit culpable homicide. The court expressed concern that if an FIR is not filed and an investigation is not conducted, other cruise or boat operators may feel emboldened to abandon passengers in future emergencies, potentially leading to similar tragedies.

The magistrate underscored the importance of taking this matter seriously to prevent future occurrences and mandated that an FIR be registered not only against the boat operator but also against other crew members who were present during the incident.

The boat accident on April 30 in the Bargi dam region resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals after the cruise reportedly capsized during an evening excursion. Local officials have attributed the mishap to a storm and have formed a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In response to the court’s order, police officials confirmed they have received the directive but have yet to file the FIR. A senior police officer noted, “We have received the order and initiated an investigation. Updates will be provided to the court soon.”

Anand Mohan J is a distinguished Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, overseeing the bureau’s reporting in Madhya Pradesh. With over eight years of experience, he has established a reputation as a reliable source on matters related to law, internal security, and public policy.

Based in Bhopal, Anand is well-known for his insightful coverage of the Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive on-the-ground reporting on the surrender of the last Maoist fighters in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the negotiations and leadership void that contributed to the region being declared free of Maoist activity.

His investigative journalism is marked by a commitment to accountability, delving into various critical sectors:

• National Security & Counter-Insurgency: Anand documents the decline of Naxalism in Central India and the strategic changes undertaken by security forces.
• Judiciary & Legal Accountability: With more than four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, he analyzes complex legal decisions and has revealed significant institutional failures, such as lapses in custodial safety and the misuse of the National Security Act.
• Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a key reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park, covering challenges related to rewilding cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa, as well as high-profile wildlife trafficking cases.
• Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigations have highlighted systemic failures in public health services, including issues leading to HIV infections among thalassemia patients due to contaminated blood transfusions.

Anand joined The Indian Express in 2017, transitioning from the intense Delhi City beat, which covered courts, police, and labor issues, to his current regional leadership role in Madhya Pradesh. His notable investigations include uncovering scams targeting entrepreneurs and documenting wildlife issues in Bandhavgarh.

To stay informed on his work and the latest news, follow Anand Mohan J on Twitter at @mohanreports.