Vijayadashami celebrations turned tragic as idol immersion rituals claimed multiple lives in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on Thursday night.
In Agra&rsquo;s Kheragarh area, 11 youths entered the Dungarwala Untgan river during Durga idol immersion. At least three drowned, one is critical, and seven remain missing, police said. Kheragarh SHO Madan Singh jumped into the river himself to help with the rescue. Distraught families prayed at the ghat, holding the idol of Goddess Durga. A large-scale rescue operation is underway with divers and residents. CM Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and directed authorities to provide all support.
Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s Khandwa district, a tractor trolley carrying nearly 30 devotees overturned into a pond during idol immersion. Eleven people, including seven girls, drowned. Victims ranged in age from 8 to 25 years. PM Narendra Modi and CM Mohan Yadav offered condolences, announcing ₹2 lakh compensation from PMNRF and ₹4 lakh from the state government for the victims&rsquo; families.
Officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded in Khandwa with all bodies recovered, while search efforts continue in Agra.

Agra & Khandwa witness twin tragedies; 14 dead, rescue ops and compensation announced

Durga Idol Immersion Turns Tragic in UP & MP

Agra & Khandwa witness twin tragedies; 14 dead, rescue ops and compensation announced

October 3, 2025 | 16:05 IST