Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said at least seven people died due to extreme heat while sitting in the open at the Maharashtra Bhushan award event on Sunday, and about 24 are being treated for heatstroke. The chief minister also announced an ex-gratia to the families of those who died, as well as proper treatment for those who are currently hospitalised, news agency ANI reported.
"At least seven people were killed and 24 were treated for heatstroke during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. The families of the deceased will be given Rs 5 lakhs, while we ensure proper treatment for those admitted," the Maharashtra chief minister said. "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," he added.
"As per the briefing received from doctors, 7-8 people have died today, while some 24 are being treated. This is a case of sunstroke," the CM said.
Home minister Amit Shah presented the Maharashtra government's award to social activist Dattatreya Narayan. The event was held in Navi Mumbai, where the daytime temperature reached a high of 38 degrees Celsius.
Thousands of the social activist's supporters attended the event at a large ground in Navi Mumbai. The event began at 11.30 am and lasted until 1 pm. The ground was packed with people and equipped with audio and video equipment so that everyone could see the event. However, there was no cover over the audience seating arrangement.
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