A tragic boat capsizing incident on Bhopal's Lower Lake in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a 22-year-old woman from Delhi. The incident occurred during what was reportedly a National Cadet Corps (NCC) training exercise. Prior to the tragedy, one of the victims, Purnima Mishra, made a desperate video call to her brother, pleading for help as the boat encountered distress, uttering the words "save me."

The incident unfolded on May 4, 2024, when an NCC training boat, carrying multiple individuals, overturned in the lake. Authorities later reported that the boat was allegedly overloaded and faced strong winds, contributing to its instability. Rescuers managed to save two NCC cadets, but three others onboard perished. The deceased have been identified as Purnima Mishra from Delhi, Divya (20) from Uttar Pradesh, and Prateek (20) from Karnataka.

The final moments of Purnima Mishra, a resident of Delhi, were documented during a video call with her brother, Pranjal Mishra. During the call, Purnima was heard saying "save me" before the connection was lost. Pranjal Mishra reportedly witnessed the boat capsizing shortly after the call disconnected, adding a harrowing detail to the sequence of events. This final video communication has become a significant piece of information in understanding the immediate timeline leading up to the tragedy.

Investigations into the incident are underway, focusing on the circumstances that led to the boat overturning. Preliminary reports indicate that the training boat, intended for a smaller capacity of four to five people, was carrying between seven and eight individuals at the time of the accident. Additionally, a reported lack of life jackets for all passengers has been cited as a critical safety concern during the outing.

Key details surrounding the tragedy include:

  • Location: Lower Lake, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Date: Saturday evening, May 4, 2024.
  • Victims: Purnima Mishra (22, Delhi), Divya (20, Uttar Pradesh), Prateek (20, Karnataka).
  • Rescued: Two NCC cadets.
  • Alleged Causes: Overloading of the boat and strong winds.
  • Safety Concerns: Reportedly insufficient life jackets for the number of occupants.
  • Investigation Status: An First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against two NCC instructors, identified as Vinod and Animesh, under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 304, pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. NCC authorities have also initiated an internal inquiry.

The tragic event has prompted a broader discussion on marine safety protocols, particularly concerning training exercises and recreational boating in public waters. Authorities are expected to review safety standards and enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ongoing police investigation and the internal NCC inquiry aim to establish full accountability and determine the exact sequence of events that led to the loss of life on Bhopal's Lower Lake. Further details are anticipated as these investigations proceed.