Prayagraj, January 29, 2025 – A tragic stampede-like incident occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday, ahead of the highly anticipated ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but several devotees are feared dead, and many have sustained injuries in the massive crowd surge at the Sangam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. “The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and remain in constant touch with the state government,” PM Modi stated in a social media post.
UP Government Assures Situation Under Control
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the public that the situation is now under control. “Around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj today. There was immense pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam, but efforts are being made to ensure smooth crowd management,” Adityanath said. He urged pilgrims to remain cautious and advised them to use alternative ghats for their holy dip.
Opposition Slams Government Over ‘Mismanagement’
The incident has sparked political outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of poor crowd management and prioritizing VIP movements over public safety. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the administration for negligence, stating, “Mismanagement and special focus on VIPs instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident.”
Similarly, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that the management of the Maha Kumbh be handed over to the Army to restore faith in the administration, arguing that the claims of a “world-class system” had been exposed.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Devotees who were present at the scene recounted horrifying experiences of the chaos that unfolded. Basdev Sharma, a pilgrim from Sultanpur, described how one of his family members was trampled in the crush. “There was suddenly too much crowd. People just walked over her, and no one even stopped,” he said, adding that she sustained severe chest and leg injuries.
Security and Emergency Response
Heavy security has been deployed at the Sangam following the incident. The police have been regulating the movement of Akharas and other religious groups, ensuring their participation in the ‘Amrit Snan’ while managing the crowds. Senior police officials, including Kumbh Mela SSP Rajesh Dwivedi, asserted that the situation was accidental and denied any security lapse.
The Uttarakhand government has issued emergency helpline numbers for devotees, urging people to report missing persons and seek assistance for the injured.
Political and Religious Leaders React
Several leaders have expressed sorrow over the incident. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended their condolences and assured support for those affected. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for better crowd management.
Meanwhile, seers and religious leaders continued their rituals despite the tragedy. Prominent figures, including Jyotish Peethadheeshwar Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and Shringeri Peethadheeshwar Jagatguru Swami Vidushekar Bharati, arrived at the Sangam for the second ‘Amrit Snan’ under heightened security.
Concerns Over Future Events
With the Maha Kumbh Mela set to continue until February 26, concerns over further incidents remain high. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the state government to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and prioritize safety measures for future gatherings. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also raised concerns over skyrocketing airfares to Prayagraj, making it difficult for devotees to travel.
As investigations into the causes of the stampede continue, authorities are working to prevent further tragedies and uphold the sanctity of the Maha Kumbh, which draws millions of pilgrims from across the country and beyond.