Assam: 108 employees' body demands probe into Majuli boat ambulance accident

The All Assam 108 Mrityunjay Employees' Association has demanded an impartial, high-level and stringent investigation into the boat ambulance accident in Majuli that left one person missing.

The employees' body urged the Assam government to take the incident seriously and investigate alleged irregularities in the operation of the 108 boat ambulance service.

The association alleged that proper ambulances were not being used for the service and that ‘Bhootbhooti’ boats were being operated instead. It said it had previously brought the issue to the attention of the government and concerned authorities but claimed that no permanent solution had been found.

The association said the probe should examine safety arrangements, the fitness of the boats, qualifications of boat operators, fuel usage, maintenance and the utilisation of government funds.

It also alleged that the use of Bhootbhooti boats could create scope for irregularities in fuel expenditure and raised questions over possible commission transactions.

The employees' body urged the government to bring the personnel responsible for the 108 boat ambulance service, as well as the concerned PM Dhurjyoti Bora, within the ambit of the investigation. It, however, clarified that it did not intend to hold anyone guilty in advance.

"If any corruption, irregularity, negligence or misuse of government funds is found, strict legal action must be taken against those responsible," the association said.

It stressed that the incident should not be treated merely as a boat accident as the 108 service is an emergency service directly linked to saving lives.

The association also demanded safety and fitness checks of all boats being used under the 108 boat ambulance service and a complete audit of fuel expenditure, maintenance costs and government funds.

It further sought an investigation into the role of officials and employees responsible for the service and called for measures to ensure that the boat ambulance service is operated safely and scientifically in the future.

The association also expressed hope that SDRF personnel would rescue Madhav, the boat ambulance pilot who went missing following the accident, at the earliest.