New Delhi, September 20, 2026

A pilgrimage trip ended in tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Agar Malwa district after a car carrying seven tourists from Odisha was swept away by a swollen stream near the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda. Heavy rainfall caused the water level to rise rapidly, leaving the seven tourists dead and their families mourning the devastating loss.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the deaths, describing the incident as heartbreaking and extending her condolences to the bereaved families. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also conveyed his sorrow and said the Odisha government was coordinating with Madhya Pradesh authorities to ensure the victims’ bodies were brought back to the state with dignity.

Majhi said arrangements had been made to transport the bodies to Odisha, with their arrival expected on Sunday. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each victim.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the next of kin of each deceased person would receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Those injured in the accident would be provided Rs 50,000.

The tragedy has left the family of Banamali Behera, one of the victims, devastated. According to his family members, the group had travelled to Madhya Pradesh as part of a spiritual journey to visit Mahakaleshwar.

The fatal incident occurred when the stream near the temple swelled following heavy rains and swept the vehicle away. With arrangements underway to return the bodies to Odisha, government authorities are coordinating relief measures and support for the affected families.