Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the death of five persons in boat accident in Nandpur block of Koraput district and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
Patnaik also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.
Notably, five persons identified as Lal Mani Sisa (50), Sasirekha Arlab (35), Nabina Arlab (14), Puspanjali Arlab (5) and Kranti Sisa (8) of Tansing village drowned in Patali river while a boat capsized on Thursday.
The body of Lal Mani was recovered on Thursday evening while others’ bodies were fished out today by the fire service and ODRAF personnel.