Morena: 17 pilgrims travelling to Kaila Devi temple were washed away in the river while crossing the Chambal river in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district. While 8 swam out, 7 drowned in the water. The divers have taken out the bodies of 3 people from the river and the bodies of the rest four drowned are still missing.
The incident is of Raidi-Radhen Ghat located in Tentra police station area. All the devotees who drowned in the Chambal river belonged to the Shivpuri district. Sources reveal that 17 people of Kushwaha community, residnts of Silaichaun village in Shivpuri district were on foot to visit the Karauli Mata temple when the incident took place.
The local people had immediately informed the police about it and as soon as the news was received, the police and the district administration reached the spot. The rescue operation was initiated as soon as the officials reached the spot and a team of divers were called. After about 2 hours of hard work, the divers could recover bodies of only three people including a woman.
The Lakhi Mela is held before Chaitra Navratri annually at the famous Kaila Devi temple in Karauli. Devotees from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and other regions take part in the proceedings. Such incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of individuals visiting religious sites. The authorities had urged people to take necessary precautions and follow all safety guideline while visiting the temple.