Ex-MP slams officials on number of tourists

Rajamahendravaram: Former Amalapuram MP G V Harsha Kumar came down heavily on the officials for reducing the number of tourists in the recent boat mishap in river Godavari.

Speaking to Hans India here on Thursday, he said that there were 93 tourists on the boat at the time of its starting point from Gandi Posamma temple but the officials are claiming that there were only 73 tourists in the ill-fated boat.

He added that the police have taken photos of all tourists through cell phone and demanded to publish them to know the real facts. Minister for Tourism Avanthi Srinivas telephoned to Superintendent of Police and mounted pressure on Devipatnam SI to accord permission to the boat, who earlier rejected the operation of the boat.

So far, the government did not entrust the task of enquiry to any senior officer to bring out the facts about the tragedy and not even initiated action on any official in this regard, he said.

He said Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was trying to shield Minister Avanthi Srinivas and during his review meeting he had asked the officials to arrange control rooms, which is not correct.

He added there was one or two special air-conditioned rooms in the boat for higher rates where unlawful activities took place. He demanded for comprehensive enquiry to bring out the real facts on the boat tragedy.