Boat was carrying nearly 50 people that had capacity of 20, service beyond permitted time 

MALAPPURAM: The boat 'Atlantic', which had a capacity of 20 people, carried double the people when the accident happened on Sunday evening. The local residents and the people had many times conveyed their opposition for operating service with more people than allowed. Paying no heed to it and going forward led to the major tragedy.

Permission of service is only till 6 pm. However, the boat operated service after 6.50 pm. The boat overturned when it was moving 400 meters forward. Many of the victims were women and children. Many of them did not have the life jacket. Many knew about the major accident only after 7.30 pm. It took almost two and a half hours to bring the boat stuck in a muddy area, to the shore.

The police have registered a case under the non-bailable section against Nazar Pattarakath from Tanur, the owner of the tourist boat that met with the accident. A murder case has been registered against him. He is absconding. The boat involved in the accident has the license of inland navigation and ports department. However, people including the fishermen engaged in rescue operations said that this boat was a fishing boat that has been modified at an unauthorized yard in Ponnani. It is also reported that the Alappuzha Port Chief Surveyor conducted a boat survey last month and issued a fitness certificate. The boat operated service even before the registration process was completed.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will visit the place today. Minister Antony Raju will accompany him in the special flight. Opposition leader V D Satheesan will also visit the accident site.