Thu Jan 30 07:36:49 IST 2025: ## Deadly Stampede at Maha Kumbh Kills 30
**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh –** A pre-dawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh religious gathering in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, left at least 30 pilgrims dead and 60 injured, police confirmed Wednesday. The incident occurred at the Sangam area, as large crowds surged to take a holy dip in the Ganges River on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede resulted from pilgrims pushing past barricades intended for crowd control. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and uncontrolled pushing, with many falling to the ground and becoming trapped in the surging crowd. One woman recounted how people laughed while pushing others, even ignoring pleas for help near children.
Twenty-five of the deceased have been identified. Many of the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a three-member judicial commission to investigate the incident and has offered an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $300,000 USD) to each victim’s family. He expressed deep sorrow and ordered a thorough probe by the chief secretary and DGP.
While police claim the situation is now under control, the incident highlights the challenges of managing massive crowds at large religious events. Representatives from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad pledged to expedite the process of the holy dip to prevent further incidents. The investigation will focus on determining how the barricades failed and whether adequate safety measures were in place.
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