Madhya Pradesh: 11 feared drowned, 20 trapped as picnic turns tragic at Shivpuri waterfall

Rescue operations underway as tourists get stranded at a picnic spot in Sultan Garh Waterfalls. PTI Photo

GWALIOR: Eleven people were feared drowned and over 20 still trapped due to a sudden increase in water level after a heavy downpour at Sutangrah fall in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district. The tragic incident took place on Wednesday evening at around 4 pm. The waterfall is located in Subhashpura area bordering Gwalior district. An eyewitness said around 400 people turned to the waterfall for a picnic out of which 35 were trapped as the water level increased. He said he saw 13 people falling into the raging waters, adding that two of them came out of it and rest 11 were drowned. Shilpi Gupta, Shivpuri District Magistrate, said 20 people were stranded on rocks downstream while six have been rescued so far after being airlifted through a helicopter. She said the rescue operation is underway to save those who are trapped. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said he is in constant touch with the rescue team. "Efforts to rescue people trapped in a waterfall in Shivpuri are on. I am constantly in touch with the rescue team. Rescue teams with the help of a helicopter are striving. 7 people have been successfully rescued," Chauhan said. Tourists thronged the place on Wednesday due to the Independence Day holiday. There was a sudden surge in water around 4.30 PM, possibly due to heavy rain upstream, catching those bathing near the waterfall unawares, police said. Also, the video of the victims getting swept away went viral.