The investigation into the incident of the boats crashing the Prakasam barrage confirmed that a total of 5 boats have collided. There are 3 very heavy boats in it. Each boat used for sand transportation has a weight of 40 to 50 tons and they were deliberately not preserved during the flood.
Owners left such huge boats tied with plastic ropes only. The investigation revealed that the owners did not make any effort to secure the boats during the flood. Although each boat was originally supposed to be built separately the owners built all three boats together. Doubts are also being expressed about building three boats together.
During the YCP regime, they painted their party colors on the boats so as no one questioned illegal sand mining. The owners ignored the warnings of the locals that the flood was increasing and there was a danger from the boats.
Officials found that three boats broke and hit two other boats, totaling 5 boats hit the barrage. Officials say that if the barrage had hit the pillars other than the counterweight, the damage would have been huge.
Both accused Ushadri and Rammohan were identified as followers of YCP MLC Thalasi Raghuram and former MP Nandigam Suresh. The police are conducting an in-depth investigation into the accused’s call data. It is not just an accident or negligence, the government and officials believe that there is a conspiracy.
Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu warned that the accused in this incident will not be spared. He said that such heavy boats are usually anchored on the river bank. Each boat is valued at Rs. If there is 40-50 lakhs and tying 3 boats worth all that with a single plastic rope raises suspicions.
He said that there is a lot of suspicion that such valuable boats were deliberately made to hit the barrage without taking care. Out of the total five boats, one boat went down between the gates, three boats have been identified and the location of the other boat is being ascertained.