Indore tragedy: death toll rises to 35, rescue operation still on, FIR registered: CM

Yesterday on Ram Navami, a major accident took place, at the Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The accident took place while  the temple built on an ancient stepwell caved in while devotees were performing yagna. The death toll has risen to 35 till now. The people fell into the stepwell as its roof collapsed suddenly. The rescue operation continued in full swing for night and SDRF and NDRF team pulled out more bodies.

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with his cabinet ministers inspected rescue efforts at the site of the stepwell collapse in Indore. Talking to media he said FIR has been registered, magisterial inquiry ordered into the incident. Action will be taken against found responsible. The current priority is the rescue operation. The injured will be treated free of cost. Chouhan added, “PM has also announced ex-gratia amount to the victims. We have ordered an inspection of such step-wells and borewells across the state.”

Meanwhile, District Collector Ilaiya Raja T said a Control Room has been established to provide the information regarding the accident and help the families of the victims. The control room contact number is 0731 – 2535555. He added that a magisterial enquiry will be held in temple accident case. He also said that administration will identify the places, having the possibility of such accidents in the state.

Earlier, District Collector Ilaiya Raja T said that large number of people gathered near the stepwell for puja rituals at Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal temple. Unfortunately, due to excess weight the well collapsed and 25 people fell down inside. 15 people have been rescued and 4-5 people are yet to be evacuated. SDRF team is present at the spot, rescue operation is going on.

Meanwhile, earlier yesterday, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed deep grief over the incident and took cognizance of the incident. He directed the Indore district administration to speed up the rescue operation. Chouhan also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those hurt.