Date:15/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/15/stories/2007041504031000.htm

National

8 pilgrims drown in Ganga

Special Correspondent

PATNA: Eight pilgrims, including women and children, drowned when a boat carrying about 50 devotees capsized near the Ram Rekha ghat of the Ganga in Buxar on Saturday. They were returning from the Mangal Bhawani temple in Balia district of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Mesh Sankranti.

The police claimed that they had fished out bodies of five children and three women while 10 other persons were said to be missing.

Of the 25 pilgrims belonging to Rohtas and Baxur districts who were rescued, 10 have been admitted to hospital. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs.1 lakh to the bereaved families.