Woman drowns in a tragedy at Rudrasagar boat race fest in Tripura
Agartala, Sept 14: The concluding day of the three-day cultural and sporting festival at Rudrasagar Lake under Sepahijala district of Tripura turned tragic when a woman drowned after a boat capsized just moments before the final events were to begin.
Traditionally, the festival features the Mansamangal competition at Yuvraj Ghat, along with long-distance swimming and boat races on Rudrasagar’s waters. But this year, an unforeseen accident overshadowed the celebrations and left the local community in shock.
According to reports, Mayarani Das, a housewife from a nearby village under Nalchar Block Panchayat Samiti and Melaghar Police Station, was on her way to witness the boat race along with her child and a few relatives. They were approaching the venue in a small boat from the southeastern side of Rudrasagar, near Debnagar, when tragedy struck.
The boat overturned around 600–700 meters from the main venue, throwing all passengers into the water. While her relatives and two children were rescued promptly, Mayarani could not surface in time.
Upon receiving the alert, officials of the Sonamura Sub-Division and rescue personnel from the 11th Battalion TSR rushed to the spot. Rescue teams pulled Mayarani out of the water in an unconscious state and immediately shifted her to Melaghar Hospital. Despite frantic efforts, doctors declared her dead on arrival.
The incident cast a pall of gloom over the festive atmosphere, with spectators and participants alike left in grief.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the boat’s capsize. “The immediate reason is unclear, but the matter will be investigated thoroughly,” an official said.
What was meant to be a vibrant celebration of tradition and sportsmanship has now been marred by tragedy, leaving unanswered questions and a community in mourning.
