Majuli: The All Assam 108 Mrityunjay Employees’ Association has demanded an impartial, high-level and stringent investigation into the recent boat ambulance accident in Majuli, in which the ambulance pilot reportedly went missing. The employees’ body urged the Assam government to take the incident seriously and investigate alleged irregularities in the operation of the 108 boat ambulance service. The association alleged that proper ambulances were not being used for the service and that traditional ‘Bhootbhooti’ boats were being operated instead. It claimed that the issue had previously been brought to the attention of the government and concerned authorities, but no permanent solution was found.
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It demanded that the proposed inquiry examine the safety arrangements and fitness of the boats, qualifications of operators, fuel consumption, maintenance and utilisation of government funds. The association also raised concerns over possible irregularities in fuel expenditure and alleged commission transactions linked to the use of such boats. It called for officials and personnel responsible for the 108 boat ambulance service, including the concerned PM Dhurjyoti Bora, to be brought within the scope of the investigation. However, it clarified that it was not seeking to hold anyone guilty in advance. The employees’ body said any proven corruption, negligence, irregularity or misuse of government funds should invite strict legal action.
Emphasising that the 108 service is an emergency lifeline, the association said the incident should not be treated merely as a boat accident. It also sought safety and fitness inspections of all boats used under the service and a comprehensive audit of fuel expenditure, maintenance costs and government funds. Meanwhile, the association expressed hope that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel would locate and rescue Madhav, the missing boat ambulance pilot, at the earliest.
