The Gujarat High Court granted bail to five men in connection with the boat capsize incident in Vadodara’s Harni lake that took place in January this year.
A single judge bench of Justice MR Mengdey while pronouncing the order said, “All applications are allowed”. The five men granted bail – Pareshbhai Shah, Shantilal Solanki, Nilesh Jain, Vatsal Shah, Nayan Gohil – are among the various accused booked in the matter.
On January 18, 2024, a boat capsized in Harni lake, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and two teachers who were on a school picnic. A private firm named Kotia Projects was tasked with development of the lake project by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).
Reportedly Paresh and Vatsal Shah are partners in the firm, whereas Nilesh who owns Dolphin Entertainment was reportedly given a sub contract by Kotia projects for the maintenance; Gohil was reportedly one of the boatmen.
The accused have been booked various provisions of the IPC including Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to culpable homicide), 337 (rash or negligent act endangering human life) and 114 (abettor present when crime committed).
Earlier in May, HC had granted bail to four women accused in the case.
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