Wed Jan 29 08:57:59 UTC 2025: ## Maha Kumbh Stampede Leaves Dozens Injured, Holy Dip Cancelled

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh –** A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on the morning of Mauni Amavasya, has resulted in injuries to at least 30 women and fears of a higher death toll. The incident, which occurred near the Sangam confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, prompted the Akharas (religious orders) to cancel the planned Amrit Snan, the most significant ritual of the Kumbh Mela.

The stampede began when barricades approximately a kilometer from the Sangam broke, causing a surge of devotees. Many women fainted, triggering the chaotic scene. Injured pilgrims were rushed to hospitals within the Maha Kumbh grounds, with serious cases transferred to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the situation is under control, although crowd pressure remains significant. He urged devotees to bathe at nearby ghats instead of crowding the Sangam, emphasizing that all Ganga ghats offer the same spiritual blessings. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad also appealed for calm and advised devotees to perform their rituals at their current location.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of those affected and assured that local authorities are providing assistance. However, the incident has drawn sharp 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 movements. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut questioned the allocation of over ₹10,000 crore for Maha Kumbh management.

Despite stringent security measures including AI-powered surveillance and increased police presence, the massive crowd – estimated at nearly five crore people a day before the incident, and expected to swell to ten crore on Mauni Amavasya – overwhelmed the infrastructure. The Uttarakhand government has also released toll-free numbers to assist pilgrims from the state. The railways deployed 360 trains, including 190 specials, to manage the influx of devotees. The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13th, is scheduled to conclude on February 26th. The incident casts a shadow on the otherwise highly anticipated spiritual gathering.

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