Patna, Oct. 14 -- The deaths of 13 children after an overcrowded country boat capsized in the Ganga near Raghopur in Bihar's Vaishali district on Tuesday night have brought passenger safety and alleged administrative negligence under scrutiny, with residents questioning how dilapidated private boats could continue to operate after sunset without adequate safety measures, particularly when the river was in spate.
Taking serious note of the operation of a private boat at night, Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh has sought explanations from the Circle Officer of Raghopur and the Station House Officer (SHO). She has also ordered that salary payments to both officials be withheld until further orders.
According to the district administ...