Indian Air Force to Repatriate Bodies of Maharashtra Pilgrims After Nepal Bus Tragedy

A bus accident in Nepal has killed at least 27 pilgrims from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district. An Indian Air Force plane will repatriate the bodies to Nashik on Saturday. State and central governments are coordinating rescue efforts, with Union Minister Raksha Khadse overseeing the process in Kathmandu.

A devastating bus accident in Nepal has claimed the lives of at least 27 pilgrims from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district. The tragedy occurred when a tourist bus carrying 43 passengers veered off the highway and plunged into the fast-flowing Marsyangdi river in central Nepal's Chitawan district.

The victims, part of a larger group of 104 Indian pilgrims on a 10-day tour of Nepal, were from various towns in Jalgaon, including Varangaon, Daryapur, Talvel, and Bhusaval. The group had visited Ayodhya just four days prior to the accident.

In response to this tragedy, an Indian Air Force plane is scheduled to transport the bodies of the deceased to Nashik on Saturday. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been in contact with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has promised all possible assistance.

The incident has prompted swift action from both state and central governments. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences, while Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil confirmed that the state government is coordinating with Uttar Pradesh officials and the Indian embassy in Kathmandu.

Union Minister Raksha Khadse, who hails from Jalgaon, has received permission from the Prime Minister's Office to oversee the repatriation of victims and survivors in Kathmandu.

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The Maharashtra government has released a list of 16 individuals from Jalgaon reported as deceased. Meanwhile, 16 injured passengers have been airlifted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, efforts are underway to bring the victims home and provide support to the affected families.