BHARUCH:

district collector

on Thursday ordered an investigation into the incident in Bhalod village of Jhagadia where six teenagers drowned in a sinkhole on the bank of river Narmada on Wednesday.

Six children, including four sisters, had come to Juna Tothidara village near Bhalod of Bharuch district with their families to attend a marriage ceremony. They drowned while taking a bath.

Villagers blamed land lease holders for the death of teens because children were trapped in the 15 metre sinkholes left abandoned by them in Bhalod. Angry villagers and leaders of the deceased kids' community asked district administration to lodged a criminal offence against the leaseholders.

Singh on Thursday ordered assistant geologist Bharuch to investigate the case and submit a report immediately. "There are total four land leases in and around Bhalod, but only one lease comes under Bharuch district and hence, we have instructed assistant geologist to probe the case. If the report shows violation of norms, strict action will be taken," Singh said.

Former JDU MLA and son of tribal leader

Mahesh on Friday held meeting with the Thakur community leaders and assured them of justice. "We don't believe that the probe of assistant geologist will give justice to the dead. Hence, we want a police investigation in the case and arrest of lease holders," Vasava told TOI.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader from Bharuch Ahmed Patel gave Rs 1.50 lakh to the family of deceased children. Congress leaders went to village and paid their condolences.