International Desk : At least 35 people were killed after the roof of a stepwell falling while offering prayers at a temple in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

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The incident occurred on Thursday during a prayer ceremony organised at Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal temple on the occasion of Hindu festival of Ram Navami.

Police said the victims were standing on a concrete slab over the well when it collapsed under their weight.

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A large crowd of devotees were standing on the concrete slab covering the well which collapsed under their weight, plunging dozens of people into the deep well.

Local media reported that the temple was constructed after the well had been covered about four decades ago.

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A team of 75 personnel, including those from the state and national disaster response forces are engaged in rescue efforts.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a compensation of 500,000 rupees ($6000; £4900) to the kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences to the victims' families and also announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees for them.

Sun News/MR

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