Mass Cremation Conducted in Fields
Due to the geographical spread of victims' homes across 5-7 kilometers in Padalfata village, families conducted separate funeral ceremonies. Many families performed the last rites by creating funeral pyres in their respective fields rather than using traditional cremation grounds. The atmosphere was filled with cries and wailing as entire households mourned the unprecedented loss.
Among the deceased, eight-year-old Chanda's body was the last to be retrieved from the water, while her two younger sisters played nearby, unaware of their sister's death. Twenty-year-old Ganesh also lost his life in the accident, with his younger brother currently hospitalized after sustaining injuries.
High-Level Political Visits Planned
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Congress state president Jitu Patwari are scheduled to visit the grieving village to console the bereaved families. Ahead of the CM's visit, workers were hurriedly constructing a road in the village, which sparked anger among villagers who questioned why infrastructure development occurred only after the tragedy.
Several political leaders have already visited the village, including MP Gyaneshwar Patil, BJP district president Rajpal Singh Tomar, Pandhana MLA Chhaya More, Mandhata MLA Narayan Patel, and Khandwa MLA Kanchan Tanwe. Congress district president Uttam Pal Singh Purni and other party representatives were also present to express condolences.
Heavy Security Deployment
Considering the sensitive situation, the administration deployed a large contingent of police in Padalfata village. Additional SP Mahendra Tarnekar and DSP Headquarters Anil Singh Chauhan were personally present at the site to maintain law and order during the mass cremation ceremonies.
Compensation Demands and Announcements
The Congress party has demanded Rs.30 lakh compensation for each affected family, significantly higher than the government's announced relief. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced Rs.4 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs.2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each deceased victim's family and Rs.50,000 for the injured.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The accident occurred around 4 PM on Thursday when the tractor-trolley, despite warnings from local village watchmen about the water's depth, was driven into the deep water and lost balance. The trolley had additional height due to installed mesh barriers, which tragically prevented people from escaping when it overturned in the water. While some who could swim managed to escape, eleven people drowned in the incident.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the Vijayadashmi celebrations, transforming what should have been a joyous religious festival into a day of mourning for the entire Khandwa district community.
