Fri Jan 31 09:47:03 UTC 2025: ## Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Stampede Kills 30, Sparks Outrage and Investigation

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India** – A stampede at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, India, early Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of at least 30 pilgrims, with dozens more injured. The incident occurred between 1 and 2 AM near the Sangam confluence, during the build-up to the auspicious “Brahma Muhurta” pre-dawn bathing ritual on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna, a massive crowd surge overwhelmed barricades, causing a chaotic crush. 90 people were rushed to hospitals, with 30 succumbing to their injuries. Identifications have been made for 25 of the deceased, with several hailing from states outside Uttar Pradesh, including Karnataka, Assam, and Gujarat. Local residents have also alleged a separate stampede incident in the Jhushi area on Tuesday night.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, visibly emotional in a press briefing Wednesday evening, announced a judicial inquiry into the tragedy. A three-member committee headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, along with former DGP V.K. Gupta and retired IAS officer V.K. Singh, will investigate. The CM also announced a compensation of ₹2.5 million (approximately $300,000 USD) for each victim’s family. A separate police investigation is also underway.

In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government is deploying additional senior administrative and police officials to improve crowd management and safety measures. Five special secretaries and several superintendents of police, including officials with experience from the 2019 Kumbh Mela, have been assigned to bolster security and organization until at least February 12th. The government also stated that VIP movement will be restricted on key bathing days to ensure smoother flow of pilgrims.

The incident sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties demanding a parliamentary discussion and accusing the government of prioritizing VIPs over ordinary pilgrims. Concerns were raised about the lack of adequate crowd control and the reported lack of proper death certificates provided to some families. While some officials attributed the stampede to unforeseen crowd surges, others, including Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, suggested a possible conspiracy by those opposed to the Kumbh Mela.

Despite the tragedy, the Kumbh Mela continues, with millions of pilgrims continuing to participate. The authorities are working to improve crowd management and ensure the safety of the remaining attendees for the upcoming Basant Panchami celebrations. The judicial commission has a one-month deadline to complete its investigation, but aims to expedite the process. Airlines, following government requests, are also adjusting flight schedules and prices to mitigate issues arising from the massive influx of people.

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