In a tragic incident, thirteen women and young girls died after falling into a well while performing a marriage ritual in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district. According to the police, the incident, in which at least 10 people were also injured, took place at Naurangiya Tola village when an iron grille, they were sitting on, broke.
On Wednesday night, the pre-wedding ritual of "haldi" was being performed. Some women and children were sitting on the iron grille and it suddenly broke and fell into the well, District Magistrate S Rajalingam said.
At least 10 people were also injured in the incident at the village under the Nebua Naurangiya police station area, he said, adding that they have been hospitalised.
According to information received so far, 13 people have died -- Pooja (19), Shashi Kala (15), Shakuntala (35), Mamta Devi (35), Meera (25), Pooja (20), Pari (1), Jyoti (15), Radhika (16), Sundari (15), Aarti (10), Pappi (20) and Manu (18), officials said.
They said that assistance of Rs 4 lakh will be to the family of each deceased.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and the case is being investigated, Rajalingam said.
President Kovind, PM Modi express grief over incident
Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind offered his condolences to the families of those who died in the tragic incident.
Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Modi described the incident as heart-rending. He extended his condolences to the families of victims and wished for a quick recovery for the injured. The local administration is offering all possible help, Modi said in a tweet.
Directing officials to provide all assistance, Adityanath tweeted, “The death of villagers in an unfortunate incident in Naurangiya Tola village of Kushinagar district is very sad. My condolences are with the bereaved families of the deceased. Prabhu Shri Ram is wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
According to a state government spokesperson in Lucknow, the chief minister has directed officials of the district administration to ensure proper treatment to the injured people.
(With inputs from ANI)
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