Bahraich Boat Tragedy : SSB’s role in rescue and relief operations praised

Troops of  Sashastra Seema Bal (Sashastra Seema Bal) deployed on the India-Nepal border are being praised for their rescue work in the recent boat accident near Indo-Nepal border. However, due to difficult conditions, the rescue operation failed to yield significant relief. Only a few people were rescued, and some are still missing. While various government agencies are working in the rescue and relief operations, the SSB is being praised for its initiative, swift action, and the crucial role it played in utilizing its own resources.

The boat  accident happened  on Wednesday evening (20 October 2025)  in the Kaudiyala River in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh. Twenty-two people were crossing the river in a boat. The river’s current was strong and there was a tree fallen into it. The boat collided with it and toppled. Initially, 13 people survived, and the body of a woman was recovered. Later on one more body was recovered from the river.

The boat capsized near Bharatpur village in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Range. Rescue teams faced challenges searching for the missing people due to rain and subsequent attacks by wild elephants. The two teams from the SSB’s 70th Battalion (SSB 70 Battalion) that launched the operation were led by Deputy Commandant Arun Mewara and Inspector Munin Barua.