
Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Stampede: The ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj witnessed a deadly stampede yesterday morning that had claimed 30 lives and injured 60 in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident has been reported at around 1-2 am when millions had gathered at Triveni Sangam for Mauni Amavasya Snan, or the Second Shahi Snan of the ongoing festival.
DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna said that 25 bodies have been identified, and the identity of the remaining five is being ascertained. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, and the authorities have ensured proper medical attention.
Cause of the Stampede
It is reported that this mishap took place while an enormous number of people assembled along the Akhara route on the Mauni Amavasya before Brahm Muhurta to take snan. At one point when barricades became weaker due to excessive crowds, many people crushed in front due to which fatal accidents and injurious incidents are said to have happened.
The administration promptly launched a rescue operation, opened up a green corridor for ambulances, and evacuated 90 injured people to hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 of them died due to injuries,” said DIG Vaibhav Krishna at a press conference.
Post the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has canceled his scheduled visit to Delhi for an election campaign on Thursday. He is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed officials to provide the best medical treatment to the injured and aid to the affected families.
The authorities confirmed that the situation is now stable, with rescue operations concluded and medical aid in place. Injured people continue to receive treatment, and the administration has further implemented crowd control measures to prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile, Juna Akhara and two other Akharas, who were scheduled for an Amrit Snan, postponed their ritual to maintain order. “Everything is peaceful now, and devotees are taking the holy dip in smaller groups,” the DIG informed.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad head said saints and nagas entering snan were facilitating quicker turnover at ghats, hence enabling hassle free flow. Panchayati Niranjani Akhara Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri agreed with that claim. According to him, people have been going inside the complex in batches as before.
This unfortunate incident casts a shadow over the grand religious congregation, but efforts are underway to ensure that remaining festivities continue without further disruptions. Authorities urge devotees to follow safety guidelines to prevent further mishaps.
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