Maha Kumbh mela stampede: Death toll rises to 30, UP CM orders judicial probe
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Uttar Pradesh: At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Mahakumbh Nagar on Wednesday, reported PTI. The tragedy occurred in the Sangam area as millions gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.
According to Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna, the crowd broke barricades, crushing those waiting. "The incident took place due to the pressure of the crowd," he said, adding that over 90 injured were rushed to the hospital, with 30 succumbing to injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident, calling it 'extremely saddening,' and stated that the local administration was providing all possible assistance. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry, with a three-member panel comprising Justice Harsh Kumar, former DGP VK Gupta, and retired IAS VK Singh. He also declared an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the families of the deceased. "It is important to get to the bottom of the whole episode on how such a tragedy occurred," he said.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden surge at the Sangam as devotees rushed to bathe at the start of the auspicious hour. "There was pushing from all sides," said Sarojini, a pilgrim from Karnataka. A woman whose child was injured claimed, "There was nowhere to go... some people who pushed us were laughing.
Following the stampede, the Amrit Snan was briefly deferred but resumed in the afternoon. Around six crore devotees took a dip despite the tragedy. The government has since issued strict directives against VIP protocols in the Mela. Adityanath urged devotees to use nearby ghats to avoid overcrowding, stating, "Our first priority is the safety of devotees."
The opposition blamed mismanagement, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi citing the VIP movement as a factor. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that the event’s management be handed over to the army. Meanwhile, Mahant Ravindra Puri alleged, "It's a conspiracy by the opposition."