MP boat tragedy: Government forms judicial probe panel; to submit report in three months

The Madhya Pradesh Government has constituted a single-member judicial commission to conduct an investigation into a cruise ship accident at Bargi Dam that killed 13 people, a senior official said.

In his statement on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the official said that the panel will submit its report to the government within three months. The tour boat operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department capsized in the Bargi Dam in Jabalpur district on April 30, killing 13 people, including women and children, and 28 people were rescued.

The official said that the commission set up on Sunday, May 10, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Sanjay Dwivedi, will investigate the causes of the accident, examine whether adequate rescue and relief measures were taken and determine responsibility.

Provisions will also be made for the inspection and certification of boats, cruise and water sports activities under the Inland Ships Act 2021 and the NDMA Boating Safety Guidelines 2017.

The official also said that the commission will formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the operation and maintenance of boating, cruise and water sports activities and formation of Rapid Response Team at places where such activities are carried out.

The official added that the commission will complete the investigation and submit its report to the government within three months from the date of its publication in the State newspaper.

A judicial commission is seen as important because it has greater public credibility and institutional weight than a routine ministerial investigation.