At least seven pilgrims died while 50 others were injured at Ujjain Kumbh Mela when heavy winds and torrential rains hit the mela area on Thursday afternoon.
Several tents of sadhus collapsed and power supply was disrupted as strong winds coupled with unexpected rain lashed the camp. A religious camp in mangalnath sector suffered major damage.
The deceased include a woman. IT and Transport Minister Bhoopendra Singh, who is also the in-charge of Sinhastha Kumb Mela, said the woman "died apparently due to electrocution as snapped power lines fell on her due to the winds." He added that normalcy has been restored in the area.
The month-long pilgrimage visited by tens of thousands of devotees and tourists began on April 22 and is set to continue till May 21 with the last holy dip in Kshipra river.
Government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of those who were killed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the tragedy. "May Almighty give strength to the bereaved families to overcome the grief," he tweeted.
(With inputs from Deepak Tiwari)
