Man rewarded Rs 50,000 for saving lives during Bhopal boat tragedy that killed 11

A man who courageously saved eight lives during a boat tragedy on Thursday was felicitated and rewarded for his bravery on Saturday during Ganpati Visarjan.

Nitin Batham have saved 8 people from drowning in the Chhota Talab near the Khatalpur ghat, Bhopal, where 11 people died when a boat capsized during Ganesh immersion.

The district administration has rewarded Nitin Batham with Rs 50,000, a government job and has also recommended his name for a gallantry award.

A cheque of Rs 50,000 was handed over to Batham by the district collector on Friday and he recommended Nitin's name for a gallantry award.

On Thursday, when a boat capsized during the immersion of the Ganesh idol, Nitin Batham rushed to the spot in his boat within minutes and was successful in saving 8 people from drowning. 

"I was watching the immersion of idols. Suddenly I saw the two boats losing their balance. I immediately jumped on to a boat and sailed to the accident spot to save people," he told PTI.

"I wish I could have saved all of them. I have been a swimmer in my teens and also know sailing. Nowadays I sell fish in Chola area here," he added.

However, three other people - Sunil Ahirwar, Vishal Ahirwar, and Rahul Ahirwar - claimed that they also saved lives of people during the incident and denied Nithin Batham's presence during the time of the incident.

Madhya Pradesh minister PC Sharma had on Friday announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased. 

"The incident is really unfortunate. A compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been announced for the families of the deceased by the District Collector. The investigation will be done in the matter," Sharma had said.