Thu Jan 30 10:08:03 IST 2025: **Prayagraj Stampede at Maha Kumbh Kills at Least 30, Injures 60**

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 29, 2025** – A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early Wednesday morning has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 pilgrims and injuries to at least 60 more. The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. near the Sangam area as millions converged for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

According to Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Mahakumbh, a large crowd overwhelmed barricades, leading to the tragic loss of life. While the Uttar Pradesh government initially remained tight-lipped about the casualty figures, conflicting reports emerged from various sources, including foreign news agencies, placing the death toll between 15 and 40. Later reports confirmed the death toll to be at least 30.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, numerous Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers from across India expressed their condolences and offered their support to the victims’ families.

The “amrit snan,” the traditional bathing ritual of the akharas (religious orders), was initially deferred due to the stampede but resumed later in the afternoon after crowd control measures were implemented.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry into the incident, headed by a retired judge, and an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of each victim. He also ordered a review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements and deployed additional officials to strengthen crowd management and security for upcoming events. Further, the Chief Minister appealed to devotees to utilize nearby ghats for bathing instead of concentrating at the Sangam Nose.

The incident sparked widespread criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government’s crowd management. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, criticized the handling of the event, citing alleged mismanagement and prioritizing VIP movements over the safety of pilgrims. Some opposition leaders even called for the army to take over the management of the Maha Kumbh.

The Uttar Pradesh government defended its response, claiming that prompt medical services and the creation of a “green corridor” limited the extent of the damage. However, reports of significant delays in official communication regarding casualties and the impact on pilgrims from other states, particularly concerning access to information on their relatives, added to concerns about the event’s organization.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed officials to adjust train services to meet the evolving needs in Prayagraj. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also requested airlines to maintain reasonable airfares. IndiGo responded by announcing fare reductions on routes to and from Prayagraj.

The tragedy underscored the challenges of managing such a massive religious gathering, highlighting the need for robust crowd control measures and effective emergency response protocols. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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