At least 35 people have died after the roof of a stepwell collapsed, plunging scores of people tens of feet down into the well.

The incident took place at the Baleshwar Mahadev temple in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), police and locals have been engaged in rescue operations. Unable to reach some areas of the well, the authorities requested for military help.

There are reports that residents of the area had made prior complaints to the municipal corporation regarding the safety of the temple.

The families of those killed have demanded action against the temple trust.