Thu Jan 30 21:18:47 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Stampede Victim’s Warning Video Surfaces After 30 Deaths

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh** – A chilling video has emerged showing a 24-year-old woman, Megha Hattarawat, who died in a deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, warning of dangerous overcrowding just hours before the tragedy. The video, posted on social media, shows Hattarawat urging potential pilgrims to avoid the festival due to the immense crowds. “Hi, we are at Kumbh Mela. There is a huge rush here. So, avoid coming if possible. However, if you do come, please be careful and hold each other’s hands,” she said.

Tragically, Hattarawat, along with her mother Jyoti Hattarawat (50) and two others from Belagavi, Karnataka, perished in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday that claimed the lives of at least 30 people. The incident occurred around 2 am as millions converged at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Police reports indicate that the stampede was triggered by the collapse of barricades, causing people to fall upon those sleeping on the ground.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a court-monitored investigation into the incident and announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $300,000 USD) for each victim’s family. He also appealed for calm, urging people not to spread rumors and advising pilgrims to use less congested ghats for their holy dips. Following the tragedy, several measures have been implemented, including a vehicle ban within the Maha Kumbh area, the cancellation of VVIP passes, and the implementation of one-way traffic routes to improve crowd management.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, began on January 13th and is expected to draw around 40 crore (400 million) pilgrims before its conclusion on February 26th. Over 9.2 million people had already visited and participated in the holy dip by 10 am on the day following the stampede. Hattarawat’s tragic premonition serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of uncontrolled crowds at large-scale religious gatherings.

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