KATHMANDU, Sept 24: On August 25, four people died when a boat carrying 27 people capsized after hitting the pillar of a half-done bridge over the Lalbakaiya River in Rautahat. The contractor of the bridge had left the bridge construction work incomplete for years and the locals were forced to use boats to cross the river, so the public blamed the contractor, Pappu Construction, for the deaths.

RAUTAHAT, Aug 28: Stating that negligence from Pappu Construction was to be blamed for Saturday’s deadly boat accident, there has been demand from all quarters to punish the contractor.

RAUTAHAT, Aug 27: Locals have accused Pappu Construction for Saturday’s boat capsize in Lalbakaiya River of Rautahat. At least two people were killed and three are missing.  Locals said the contractor’s failure to complete the construction of a bridge over the Lalbakaiya River on time forced people to use boat to cross the river so the contractor was also responsible for the accident.

RAUTAHAT, Aug 27: On Saturday, Dinesh Patel of Gaur Municipality-4, Rautahat, was preparing for Rakshya Bandhan, the festival which celebrates the bond and trust between brothers and sisters. He was waiting for his sister Runadevi to return to her maternal home from Ishnath Municipality-3, which is around four kilometers away. She had set off for her maternal home on Saturday evening with her youngest son.

RATUTAHAT, Aug 26: Total 21 people were rescued whereas, five are still missing after a boat capsized in the swollen Lalbakaiya River in Rautahat, Saturday evening. Searching operation of those missing has been intensified witrh the help of security personnel and locals informed local administration.