Wed Jan 29 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Stampede: Commissioner’s Plea Ignored, 17 Reported Dead
**Prayagraj, India** – A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has reportedly claimed the lives of 17 people and injured over 100, according to sources. The incident occurred early Monday morning, just before the second major bathing ritual of Mooni Amavasya.
A viral video has emerged showing Mela Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant appealing to pilgrims to bathe earlier in the night, hours before the tragedy. In the video, Pant is seen waking sleeping pilgrims along the banks of the Sangam (confluence of rivers), warning of the potential for a stampede if they didn’t move quickly. He urged the crowd to leave, stating that those who stayed risked being caught in a crush as more pilgrims arrived.
Despite the commissioner’s pleas, a large number of devotees remained asleep near the Sangam. Around 1:00 AM, an influx of additional pilgrims led to overcrowding and the subsequent stampede.
While sources report 17 fatalities and over 100 injuries, official confirmation from authorities is yet to be released. Authorities have reported that the situation is now under control and that the bathing rituals have resumed. Over 30 million pilgrims are estimated to have participated in the Kumbh Mela by 9:00 AM. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The incident has also sparked discussion about the role of IAS officer Vijay Kiran Anand, responsible for overseeing the Kumbh Mela.
First Piper 