Wed Jan 29 20:49:35 IST 2025: ## Maha Kumbh Stampede Leaves Dozens Injured, Holy Dip Deferred

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh –** A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Mauni Amavasya morning resulted in numerous injuries and feared fatalities. Around 30 women were injured, many requiring hospitalization, after barricades broke near the Sangam confluence, triggering a crush of devotees. The incident prompted the Akharas to postpone the planned holy dip, the Amrit Snan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the local administration was providing assistance to the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated the situation was under control but acknowledged ongoing crowd pressure. He urged devotees to bathe at less crowded ghats, emphasizing that all Ganga ghats offered the same spiritual blessings.

The incident sparked criticism from opposition parties. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded the resignation of officials responsible for the event’s arrangements, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge blamed inadequate planning and VIP movement. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut questioned the allocation of over ₹10,000 crore for the Maha Kumbh’s management.

In response to the stampede, the Uttarakhand government released toll-free numbers to assist pilgrims from the state. Despite stringent security measures including AI surveillance and increased police presence, the massive crowd, estimated at nearly 5 crore on the day before Mauni Amavasya and expected to reach 10 crore, overwhelmed the infrastructure. Authorities had already implemented a no-vehicle zone in the Mela area. The Indian Railways deployed 360 trains, including 190 special trains, to manage the influx of pilgrims. Over 1,000 medical professionals, including 300 specialists, were deployed to handle medical emergencies.

The Amrit Snan, considered the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh, and particularly auspicious this year due to a rare celestial alignment, was postponed due to the stampede. The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13th, will continue until February 26th. The event has already seen over 15 crore pilgrims.

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