Bhubaneswar: Eight Odisha devotees died in Madhya Pradesh’s Agar Malwa district after the car in which they were travelling plunged into a rain-swollen drain early Saturday, police said.
The incident was reported near the Bagulamukhi Temple in Nalkheda town, about 30 km from the district headquarters.
According to reports, the vehicle went into the drain, which had been filled with overflowing rainwater. Among those who died were three children, two women and three men.
Police personnel from Nalkheda began a rescue operation following the accident and recovered the bodies from the drain. The deceased were then sent for post-mortem examination.
Police have registered a case in connection with the incident. Further details are awaited.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident and announced an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
In a post on X, he said: “The mishap in Agar Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Separately, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sadness over the loss of the Odia tourists and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a post on X, he said: “I have directed officials to coordinate with the Madhya Pradesh Government and local administration to expedite all necessary procedures and ensure that the mortal remains are brought back to Odisha with due dignity. The State Government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
Also, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg expressed condolences over the deaths and said she had spoken with the chief secretary of Madhya Pradesh and the secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, the Odisha government.
Officials concerned have been directed to maintain continuous coordination with the Madhya Pradesh government and local administration and to expedite the rescue operations and all necessary follow-up measures, Garg further said.
