Madhya Pradesh: The death toll rose to 14 in the collapse of roof of an ancient ‘bavdi’ (a large stepwell) situated in a temple in Indore. The incident happed during the Ram Navami festival celebration. Initially, it was reported that nearly 25 people were feared to have fallen inside the well. The temple and stepwell are said to be about 60 years old. Eyewitnesses said that about 20 to 25 people were performing 'havan' on the terrace built above the stepwell. The roof caved in due to excess weight, they said.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the kin of the Indore accident victims, said a press release by Prime Minister's Office on Thursday. A tweet on the official handle of the Prime Minister's Office read, "An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh (each) from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate tragedy in Indore today. The injured would be given Rs 50,000 (each): PM."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan to take stock of the situation and said that relief work is being carried out at a rapid pace.
Taking note of the accident, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed Indore District Collector to speed up the rescue operations. The Chief Minister's Office also is in constant touch with the Indore district administration. The CM has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to be given to next of kin of the deceased while Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured.
Top officers of Indore Police as well as the district administration are present at the spot. Efforts are being made to evacuate the devotees.
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