At least 50 persons were injured today, mostly policemen, when the dome over a stage being erected for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally at Naya Raipur in Dantewada collapsed in severe storm, forcing cancellation of his engagements there.

"While the work was underway, suddenly the weather changed and a severe storm hit the place, damaging a portion of the dome which fell on the police personnel and workers present," Inspector General of Police G P Singh told PTI.

"Yes, the prime minister's events of Naya Raipur have been cancelled," he said.

The prime minister was scheduled to inaugurate an Indian Institute of Information Technology and Police headquarters, besides laying the foundation stone for construction of 40,000 affordable houses for the lower income group and economically weaker sections at Naya Raipur. Under the revised plan, Modi, after landing in Dantewada, will fly to Dantewada, worst-hit by naxalism, to take stock of socio-economic development initiatives and undertake a road journey of nearly 22 kilometres.

Before flying to Kolkata later in the day the prime minister will address a public meeting at Dantewada, considered a hub of Naxal activities.