Wed Jan 29 15:42:33 UTC 2025: ## Maha Kumbh Stampede Leaves at Least 30 Dead, Dozens Injured

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 29, 2025** – A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early this morning has resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 60 injuries. The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. near the Sangam area as millions of pilgrims converged for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, a significant religious occasion.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede was triggered when a large crowd overwhelmed barricades. While the Uttar Pradesh government has yet to release an official casualty count, conflicting reports from various sources place the death toll between 15 and 40. The discrepancy highlights the chaos and confusion in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and numerous other dignitaries offered their condolences. The traditional “amrit snan” bathing ritual, initially postponed due to the stampede, resumed later in the day with a significantly smaller procession.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government’s crowd control measures. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, have condemned the handling of the event, with some demanding the army take over management. The Congress specifically cited “half-baked arrangements,” “VIP culture,” and mismanagement as contributing factors. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disruption caused by VIP movements.

The Uttar Pradesh government, however, claimed that prompt medical services and a “green corridor” for ambulances mitigated the damage. They reported that over 50 ambulances responded within minutes.

Thousands of devotees heading to the Kumbh Mela remained stranded on the border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh due to congestion. The Madhya Pradesh government provided food and shelter for those affected.

The tragedy has also highlighted the challenges of managing such massive gatherings. The death toll continues to be revised as authorities work to identify victims and assess the full extent of the casualties. Investigations into the cause of the stampede are underway. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in organizing events of this scale and the critical need for robust safety measures.

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