11 Die Of Heatstroke At Maharashtra Event; Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde Were Present

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New Delhi:  At least eleven people died after they suffered heatstroke during the Maharashtra Bhushan ceremony in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. Several other people fell ill due to the scorching weather and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Talking to reporters, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the death of eleven people due to heatstroke and said that the deceased's kin will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh. CM Shinde further added that the government is ensuring proper treatment to those who fell ill during the event and are admitted to the hospital.  

"As per the briefing received from doctors, 11 people died today, while some 24 are being treated. This is a case of sunstroke. Some 50 people were admitted to a Navi Mumbai-based hospital of which 24 are still admitted while the rest have been discharged after primary treatment," reported PTI quoting Shinde. Maharashtra CM termed the deaths "very unfortunate".

The nearest weather station to the spot of the event recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.  The Chief Minister also directed officials to shift patients to specialised hospitals if they needed additional treatment.

Replying to a question, Shinde said he would not comment on political allegations of the Opposition and his priority is to ensure that the affected people get proper treatment, reported PTI.

He said a Deputy Municipal Commissioner-rank official of the Panvel Municipal Corporation has been deputed to coordinate with relatives of patients and medical teams and to give timely updates.

"Lakhs of people had come for the event and it went well. It is painful to see some of them suffer. It is a very unfortunate situation which is very painful for me," he said.

Dharmadhikari has a massive following in the state due to his tree plantation drives, blood donation, and medical camps as well as de-addiction work in tribal areas.

The 306-acre ground, where the function was held, was packed with people and equipped with audio/video facilities for followers of Shree Sadasya (Dharmadhikari's organisation) to witness the function.

Amit Shah conferred the award to Dharmadhikari and presented him a shawl, a citation and memento, and a cheque of Rs 25 lakh, besides a 10-feet garland of roses.

The Maharashtra Bhushan Award is given to personalities working in the fields of literature, sports, science, social work, journalism, public administration, and health services. Chief Minister Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Kapil Patil among MLAs, MLCs, and ministers were present on the occasion.