The Assam government on September 8 placed three officials of the inland water transport department under suspension after two boats collided near Neamatighat in Jorhat district of the state.
Reports said that at least one person died and several others were missing after one of the boats capsized.
The Assam government informed that three officials – an in-charge executive engineer, an in-charge assistant executive engineer and a junior engineer have been placed under suspension.
Transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed shock and grief over the ferry accident at Neamatighat. The minister, who was on his way to the accident site, was closely monitoring the ongoing rescue and relief operation.
In a statement, the minister said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic ferry accident at Majuli. Departmental action will be taken against those found guilty.”
Senior officials have rushed to the spot. A team has been sent from Guwahati to coordinate the relief and rescue operation at Neamatighat.