Thu Jan 30 19:42:06 IST 2025: ## Delayed Death Toll Report Fuels Criticism After Stampede at Indian Religious Festival
**Prayagraj/New Delhi, India** – A pre-dawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu festival in Prayagraj, India, left dozens dead. While order was quickly restored and the religious rites resumed, the 15-hour delay in releasing even a preliminary death toll has sparked controversy. Authorities’ swift focus on reporting the number of pilgrims completing the ritual, rather than the casualties, is seen by many as an attempt to protect the political standing of a local leader with national ambitions.
Ambulances transported dozens of injured to hospitals following the Wednesday morning incident, where many had been trampled. Despite utilizing thousands of AI-powered surveillance cameras and studying previous stampedes, officials remained silent on the casualty count for a significant period. The delay has drawn sharp criticism, with accusations that the government prioritized appearances over transparency in the aftermath of the tragedy. The festival continued, with helicopters even showering rose petals on religious leaders participating in the sacred bathing ritual.
First Piper 