Fri Jan 31 15:38:07 UTC 2025: ## Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Stampede Leaves 30 Dead, Sparks Political Row
**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India** – A stampede at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela left at least 30 pilgrims dead and dozens injured on Wednesday, sparking a political controversy and prompting an investigation. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning near the Sangam confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, during the peak of the auspicious Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual.
According to police, a large crowd surged forward near an akhara (religious ascetic group) route, causing barricades to collapse. The resulting crush led to the tragic loss of life. Authorities quickly responded, establishing a green corridor for ambulances and transporting 90 injured to hospitals. While 25 of the deceased have been identified, five remain unknown, with some victims hailing from states such as Karnataka, Assam, and Gujarat. A helpline, 1920, has been established for assistance.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, who blamed the Yogi Adityanath government for the tragedy, accusing it of concealing the true number of casualties to avoid compensation payouts. He called Chief Minister Adityanath morally and politically bankrupt. The government responded by deploying five additional special secretaries and several superintendents of police, including officials who served during the 2019 Kumbh Mela, to improve crowd management. A three-member judicial commission has also been formed to investigate the incident.
The aftermath of the stampede saw massive traffic jams extending up to 20 kilometers from Prayagraj to surrounding cities, with many pilgrims stranded without food, water, or shelter. Several political figures, including SP MP Ikra Hasan, criticized the administration for prioritizing VIP movements over the well-being of ordinary pilgrims.
The incident also brought to light other issues. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against a man for spreading misinformation about the Kumbh Mela on social media. Furthermore, a dispute within the Kinnar Akhara (transgender akhara) emerged, resulting in the dismissal of its head Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi following the appointment of former actress Mamata Kulkarni.
While the government has pledged to improve safety and crowd management measures, including the elimination of VIP protocols on peak bathing days, the stampede casts a shadow on the otherwise auspicious religious gathering. The judicial commission’s findings will be crucial in determining responsibility and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
First Piper 