MP: Several feared drowned in Khandwa during Durga idol immersion; CM announces INR 4 lakh ex gratia

Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 3 (HBTV): At least 11 people are feared dead in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa after a tractor trolley carrying devotees for a Durga idol immersion overturned and drowned in the Abna river on Thursday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced INR 4 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased. ‘The accidents that occurred during the immersion of Durga in the villages of Jamli in Khargone and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the bereaved families,’ the Chief Minister posted on X.

He further added, ‘I have issued instructions to provide an assistance amount of INR 4 lakh to the immediate family members of the deceased and to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment in the nearest hospital. I pray to Devi Ma Durga for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for strength to the grief-stricken families.’

Khandwa Collector Ravish Gupta, who was present at the site, told ANI that around 11 people drowned, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. ‘There was a team of young people who were a bit excited. The officials had warned against them going there, but in their excitement, they went in and the trolley overturned. In this, multiple young people drowned. Despite efforts, 11 people are missing,’ Gupta said.

Police and disaster relief teams are carrying out search and rescue operations in Jamli village to recover the bodies. Those feared drowned include several minor girls, boys, women, and one adult man.

(ANI)