Wed Jan 29 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Mahakumbh Mela Stampede: Fears of Multiple Deaths as Massive Crowd Causes Panic

**Prayagraj, India** – A stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, during the auspicious “Amrit Snan” (holy bath) on Mauni Amavasya (new moon day) has sparked fears of multiple deaths. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning as a massive crowd, estimated at 80 million, surged towards the Sangam confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. While official death tolls remain unconfirmed, reports indicate several fatalities due to suffocation in the ensuing chaos.

The ensuing panic resulted in devotees falling on each other. In response, all Akharas (religious orders) have cancelled their planned Amrit Snan ceremonies, recalling their processions. Authorities have appealed to pilgrims to avoid the Sangam area and utilize the numerous designated ghats for bathing. The area has been effectively transformed into a heavily secured zone with a large police presence. All pontoon bridges and barricades have been opened to ease congestion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath twice within an hour to assess the situation and ensure immediate assistance. Home Minister Amit Shah also contacted the Chief Minister, offering the full support of the central government. Chief Minister Adityanath urged pilgrims to bathe at the ghats closest to them and avoid heading towards the Sangam, emphasizing the availability of numerous bathing locations. He appealed for cooperation with authorities and urged people to ignore rumors. The situation remains tense, and authorities are working to manage the large crowd and prevent further incidents.

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