Search Operation: Assam seeks B’desh help

Assam on Wednesday approached Bangladesh to help the state trace the bodies of Monday’s boat mishap on the river Brahmaputra in Dhubri.

According to official sources, the neighbouring country has received the message for help even as BSF and NDRF jawans resumed search operations for the third day on Wednesday.

It was widely believed that strong river currents may have washed away the bodies of over 100 victims downstream to Bangladesh.

The number of casualty is yet to be ascertained although it is estimated that about 270 died in the worst ever boat mishap.

According to information available with the district administration, there were about 350 people on board and only 80 were rescued. Only 42 complaints of missing people had been received.

The government said the state machinery had been told to take measures to stop the recurrence of such incidents.