PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Express Grief Over Madhya Pradesh Idol Immersion Tragedies

October 3, 2025

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths during Durga idol immersion ceremonies in Madhya Pradesh, where multiple incidents claimed several lives, including those of children and teenagers.

Prime Minister Modi called the accident in Jamli village of Khandwa district “deeply saddening” and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in an accident at Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief, describing the incidents as “extremely heart-wrenching.” “The deaths of several people, mostly children, in the accidents that occurred during idol immersions in Madhya Pradesh are extremely heart-wrenching. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the bereaved families and the parents of the children,” he wrote on X, wishing the injured a swift recovery.

The worst tragedy occurred in Khandwa’s Jamli village, where a tractor-trolley carrying over 30 people plunged into a deep lake after a makeshift bridge collapsed, killing at least 10 people. In Shahdol district, two youths were swept away during immersion rituals, while in Khandwa’s Anjangaon village, one person was killed and four injured after a vehicle ran over a procession.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for each bereaved family and directed officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured. Rescue operations are ongoing, with several people still feared missing.