Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the death of seven Odia tourists in a tragic road accident in Madhya Pradesh and announced ex-gratia assistance for the bereaved families.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said the accident in Agar-Malwa district was extremely painful and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. The PMO said ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while ₹50,000 would be given to each injured person.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He directed state officials to coordinate with the Madhya Pradesh government and local administration to complete necessary formalities and ensure that the mortal remains are brought back to Odisha with due dignity.

According to police, eight people, including three children and two women, died after the car carrying them was swept away by a rain-swollen stream near the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda on Saturday.

Seven victims were residents of Jaydev Vihar in Bhubaneswar and belonged to the family of Banamali Behera. The victims included his son Siba Prasad Behera, daughters Radharani and Ritarani, son-in-law Gyanendra, two grandsons and a granddaughter. The driver, Krushna Rajveer, also died in the accident.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the swollen stream amid strong currents.

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