Datia (Madhya Pradesh): At least 37 pilgrims were feared killed on Monday after strong currents in Sindh River in Madhya Pradesh's Datia District washed them away, officials said.
Around 50 pilgrims were crossing the river to attend a religious ceremony when the mishap occurred.
Divers fished out the bodies of the deceased, which included men, women and children.
The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs. 100,000 (approximately 2173 dollars) for the kin of the deceased.
M Gita, District Collector of Datia, said the people tried to cross the river on foot despite a warning by the local administration about the waters being in a turbulent state.
"We were making the announcements that the water level was high and people should cross the river on boats. People had been crossing the river on foot in the past and some might have done so and were washed away," she said.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan has ordered a probe into the incident even as the state opposition alleged the mishap was caused by the sudden release of water from a dam in the adjoining district of Shivpuri.
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