Wed Jan 29 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Stampede Leaves Dozens Injured in Prayagraj

**Prayagraj, India** – A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, left dozens injured on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the Sangam confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, as massive crowds gathered for the holy bath.

Ambulances rushed the injured to the Maha Kumbh central hospital, where treatment is underway. Several seriously injured individuals have been referred to higher medical centers. While officials, including OSD Akanksha Rana, claim no injuries are critical, a steady stream of casualties continues to arrive at the overwhelmed hospital, which has been effectively converted into a makeshift medical camp. Access for media personnel to the hospital has been restricted.

DIG Vaibhav Krishna attributed the incident to immense crowd pressure at the Sangam. He stated that the scheduled procession of Akharas (religious orders) was delayed due to the overwhelming number of devotees, estimated at approximately 100 million. He emphasized the need for crowd control measures before addressing the logistical arrangements for the Akharas’ participation.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed his condolences and appealed for calm, acknowledging the scale of the event and the efforts of the administration despite the unfortunate occurrence. He offered prayers for the affected families.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav issued a statement, highlighting the extensive arrangements made at the state border to manage the influx of pilgrims. He noted that thousands of vehicles were stranded due to congestion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He stated that he had spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and was in constant contact with the state government.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging negligence and placing responsibility for the incident on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the administration, calling for their resignation. They highlighted the large-scale invitation to the event and the CM’s absence due to political rallies in Delhi.

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