Thu Jan 30 00:01:49 UTC 2025: ## 30 Dead, 60 Injured in Mahakumbh Mela Stampede; Judicial Inquiry Ordered

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh:** A devastating stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 30 people and injuries to nearly 60 more. The incident occurred between 1 am and 2 am at the Sangam, as a large crowd of devotees surged towards the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya.

According to Mela Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede was caused by overcrowding that overwhelmed security barricades. Devotees broke through the barriers, causing a crush that resulted in many deaths, including women and children. Twenty-five of the deceased have been identified, with the others still being identified. The victims hailed from various parts of India, including Karnataka, Assam, and Gujarat.

While 24 injured individuals have been discharged from hospitals, 36 remain under treatment. A helpline, 1920, has been established to assist in locating missing persons. DIG Krishna stated that VIP protocol has been suspended for the remainder of the mela following the incident.

In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a judicial inquiry led by a three-member committee headed by former judge Harsh Kumar. The committee will investigate the root cause of the stampede, alongside a separate police investigation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each victim.

The incident has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who have blamed the government for inadequate crowd management and the prioritization of VIP protocols. The Samajwadi Party suggested handing over Mela arrangements to the Army to prevent future tragedies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Chief Minister Adityanath to express their condolences and take stock of the situation. The Chief Secretary and DGP are scheduled to visit the site on Thursday. This latest stampede adds to a grim history of similar tragedies at the Kumbh Mela, with major incidents recorded in 1954, 1986, 2003, and 2013.

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