The boat tragedy, in which four persons died in Krishna river on January 14 (Sunday), occurred due to the overloading of the boat, claimed the villagers.

A total of 10 persons were on the fishing boat when the mishap occurred at Konuru village in Palnadu district. The victims, who had attended a function in the village, went for a ride on the boat in the river.

“Only two or three persons go fishing in a fishing boat, however, the boat owner allowed 10 persons,” said a villager Lakshmi (name changed).

Guntur Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sarvashresth Tripathi said the boat allegedly overturned due to turbulences in the water. When all the passengers panicked and rushed to one side, the boat capsized, he said. “We registered a case and took up investigation on the boat accident,” Mr. Tripathi told The Hindu on Monday.

Meanwhile, family members performed the final rites for the four victims in their native villages.