Thu Jan 30 02:59:53 UTC 2025: **Deadly Stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Festival Kills at Least 30**

PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP) — At least 30 pilgrims were killed and over 60 injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, India, early Wednesday. The incident occurred as millions of Hindus converged at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, for a ritual bath on a sacred day of the festival.

Authorities had anticipated a record 100 million devotees for the ritual bath, part of the six-week-long Hindu festival. The stampede, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, resulted from pilgrims attempting to breach barricades set up for a procession of holy men. Witnesses described scenes of uncontrolled pushing and a desperate struggle for escape.

Distressed families searched for missing loved ones outside makeshift hospitals, while clothes and belongings were scattered across the stampede site. Despite the tragedy, millions continued to participate in the festival, prompting authorities to urge pilgrims to use alternative bathing locations.

Police officer Vaibhav Krishna reported that the situation was under control but that a massive crowd remained. Over 30 million people had already participated in the holy bath by 8 a.m. Wednesday. The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, has drawn nearly 150 million attendees so far, including high-profile figures like Indian ministers and celebrities. The event is expected to attract over 400 million people in total.

Opposition leaders criticized the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, citing mismanagement and a “VIP culture” that prioritizes politicians and celebrities over ordinary devotees. Rahul Gandhi, an opposition leader, called for improved arrangements to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.

Deadly stampedes are tragically common at large religious gatherings in India. This incident follows a similar tragedy in July in Hathras, where over 116 people died in a stampede at a religious gathering. In 2013, a stampede at a train station during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj claimed the lives of at least 40 pilgrims.

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