Wed Jan 29 10:42:18 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Stampede Leaves at Least 15 Dead, Scores Injured

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India** – A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early Wednesday morning resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. at the Sangam confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, as millions of pilgrims gathered for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip, a significant ritual during the Kumbh Mela.

Witnesses reported that devotees climbed over barricades, causing a surge of people that overwhelmed security personnel. Images from the scene showed injured pilgrims being carried on stretchers, with belongings scattered across the ground. The Uttar Pradesh government has yet to release an official casualty count, prompting criticism from opposition parties.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and numerous other officials expressed their condolences and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that some devotees sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment. The Amrit snan, the traditional bathing ritual of the akharas (religious orders), was initially postponed due to the stampede but resumed later in the day with a significantly smaller procession.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed administrative mismanagement and VIP culture for the tragedy, alleging that road closures for VIP movement contributed to the chaos. Other opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, echoed these concerns, criticizing the government’s handling of the event and calling for improved crowd control measures. The Shiv Sena (UBT) even suggested that a day should be reserved for VIP visits to avoid such incidents. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi specifically blamed mismanagement and a focus on VIP movement over the needs of common devotees.

Despite the incident, over 50 million people had taken a holy dip by 2 p.m., according to official figures. Authorities in neighboring states, such as Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, also took steps to assist stranded pilgrims and manage traffic flow to Prayagraj. The incident has raised serious questions about crowd management and safety protocols at large religious gatherings. Investigations into the causes of the stampede are underway.

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