Sunday, February 16

Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede 7 dead, 10 injured: What Really Happened?

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – A “stampede-like” situation erupted in the early hours of Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, leading to fears of multiple casualties. While the exact number of injured and deceased remains unclear, officials confirmed that those injured have been rushed to the central hospital set up at the Kumbh grounds.

Tragedy Strikes at the Holy Sangam

The incident occurred around 2 AM at the ‘Sangam Nose’, the confluence point of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, where a massive crowd had gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’. Authorities estimated that at least 10 crore devotees were expected at the Kumbh Mela on this auspicious day.

According to reports from news agency PTI, a barricade collapsed under the pressure of the surging crowd, triggering widespread panic. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as devotees lost balance and were pushed from all sides, leading to injuries.

Government’s Swift Response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath immediately called for an emergency review and urged devotees to avoid the Sangam Nose. He reassured the public that top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Principal Secretary (Home), were at the site to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

Senior officials and police forces were swiftly deployed, and a team from the Rapid Action Force was called in to bolster security. In light of the tragedy, several Akharas decided to cancel the Amrit Snan (holy dip) for safety reasons.

PM Modi Monitoring the Situation Closely

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in constant touch with CM Adityanath, reportedly call ing him at least three times since the tragedy unfolded. “Prime Minister Modi has reviewed the situation at the Maha Kumbh and directed immediate measures to support those affected,” an official stated.

Opposition Slams Government Over Alleged Mismanagement

The Congress party and Samajwadi Party wasted no time in criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for what they termed “half-baked” preparations. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the administration of prioritizing VIP movement over the safety of common devotees.

Echoing similar sentiments, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded immediate reforms to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav went a step further, suggesting that the Maha Kumbh’s management should be handed over to the Indian Army to ensure better security and crowd control.

Authorities Reinforce Security Measures

In response to the crisis, the UP government has reinforced safety protocols, including:

  • Declaring a no-vehicle zone beyond designated parking areas.
  • Eliminating VIP protocols to ensure equal access for all visitors.
  • Regulating crowd movement with one-way traffic on pontoon bridges.
  • Allocating specific entry and exit slots for Akharas.

Despite the tragedy, visuals from the Mela grounds indicate that many pilgrims continue to arrive for the holy dip.

CM Adityanath Assures Public: “Situation Under Control”

In his latest statement, CM Adityanath assured that the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela is “under control.” However, he urged devotees to remain cautious and follow instructions from the authorities. The Chief Minister acknowledged that some individuals sustained serious injuries and that officials are continuously reviewing security arrangements.

The Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, is held every 12 years and attracts millions of devotees who believe that taking a dip at the Sangam cleanses them of their sins. The ongoing Kumbh, which began on January 13, is expected to continue for 40 days, culminating in several more Shahi Snans (royal baths).

As investigations continue into the stampede, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, while devotees pray for the well-being of those affected by the tragedy.