New Delhi: At least 11 people have died so far while more than 20 are undergoing treatment after they suffered heat stroke while sitting in the open at the Maharashtra Bhushan Award event in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar on Sunday, reported news agency ANI.


Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar visited the MGM Kamothe Hospital on Sunday night and reviewed the situation.


Speaking to the media, Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the event was not planned properly. “We have met the people who are undergoing treatment, interacted with 4-5, two among them are in critical condition. The event was not planned properly. Who will investigate this incident?” he asked.





Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde announced an ex-gratia to the families of those who died, as well as proper treatment for those who are currently hospitalised, according to ANI. 


"The families of the deceased will be given Rs 5 lakhs, while we ensure proper treatment for those admitted," the Maharashtra chief minister said while interacting with the media.






"During the Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Maharashtra Bhushan awarding ceremony held at Kharghar today, some Shri members had to be shifted to the hospital due to heatstroke, unfortunately, 11 of them died while undergoing treatment, this is a very unexpected and painful incident and pay tribute to the victims Shri members. We share in the grief of their families. As soon as I got the information about this incident, I immediately rushed to the MGM Hospital in Kamothe and spoke to the doctors as well as members who are undergoing treatment. The administration has instructed that the families of the members who died in this unfortunate incident will be given five lakh rupees each and the entire medical expenses of the members undergoing treatment will be borne by the government," Maharashtra CM Shinde tweeted.


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.