Thu Jan 30 07:59:25 UTC 2025: ## Maha Kumbh Stampede Kills 30, Raises Questions About Security

**Prayagraj, India** – A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, during the Mouni Amavasya bathing festival, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and injured 60 more, officials confirmed. The incident occurred due to overcrowding at the Sangam confluence.

According to DIG Maha Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna, 25 of the deceased have been identified, with victims hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Gujarat. While officials claim no injuries are critical, a steady stream of injured pilgrims continues to arrive at the central medical facility, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital. Media access to the hospital has been restricted.

Akhilesh Yadav, a prominent political figure, criticized the government’s response, calling the preparations inadequate and the ₹25 lakh compensation insufficient. He demanded a list of missing persons and questioned the lack of VIP casualties, suggesting the government bears responsibility for the tragedy. He also highlighted the government’s distribution of cards, a practice he claimed is unprecedented during the Kumbh Mela. Yadav urged the government to release a list of the deceased to alleviate anxieties of those who have lost contact with loved ones.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth, echoed concerns, stating the incident exposed the shortcomings of government preparations and accusing officials of jeopardizing lives.

Despite the tragedy, DIG Krishna stated that preparations are underway for the upcoming Basant Panchami bathing festival, with strengthened security measures and restrictions on VIP movement. However, the stampede has raised serious concerns about crowd control and safety protocols at the massive religious gathering.

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