Six bodies of drowned pilgrims recovered in MP

Datia, MP, Oct 2 (UNI) The death toll in the drowning tragedy -- in which 15 people were swept away in Sindh river in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh -- has risen to six with the recovery of three more bodies, police said today.

Bodies of three women -- Anita Khangar (23), Lakshmi Lodhi (40) and Pawan Shankar (28) -- were fished out today, while bodies of as many women were fished out last night.

At least 15 pilgrims, going for a 'darshan' to Mata Mandir in Ratangarh, were swept away while crossing the Sindh river on feet yesterday when the water level increased suddenly due to the release of water from Manikheda dam allegedly without prior information.

Meanwhile, a UNI report from Bhopal said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced ex-gratia of Rs one lakh each to the family members of the deceased.

He described the incident as unfortunate and said he had directed the Home Secretary to inquire into the matter. He assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty.

UNI MKS-PS 1608