A stampede broke out at Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj in the early hours of January 29, during the Mauni Amavasya, a significant day of the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. Several people are feared dead, with others reported injured as thousands gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganga River.
Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene, with ambulances arriving at the ghat to transport the injured to the central hospital within the Mela grounds. Sources confirmed that several victims of the stampede were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Although there are reports of multiple casualties, official confirmation regarding the number of deaths is yet to be provided.
Akanksha Rana, the Special Executive Officer, addressed the situation, stating, “On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured. They are under treatment. It is not a serious situation.” Despite her reassurances, the administration struggled to manage the overwhelming crowd that had gathered for Mauni Amavasya, which marks the day of the ‘second Shahi Snan’ during the Mahakumbh.
The stampede reportedly occurred at around 2:30 AM on January 29, further escalating concerns during one of the largest human gatherings in the world.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, began on January 13 and is expected to conclude on February 26. This grand event, considered the largest human gathering on Earth, continues to attract millions of devotees and pilgrims, underscoring the immense scale and significance of the occasion.
As investigations continue into the stampede, authorities are working to ensure the safety of the pilgrims who are expected to attend the upcoming events at the Mela.
Also Read: Stampede at Sangam in Prayagraj During Mauni Amavasya, Multiple Deaths Feared
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has attributed the stampede at the Maha Kumbh to administrative mismanagement and called for an end to VIP culture, urging for better crowd management. AAP leader Sanjay Singh described the incident as "heart-wrenching," recalling a video where a woman was seen desperately trying to save her family member by administering mouth-to-mouth oxygen. Singh also mentioned that Mahamandaleshwar Premanand Puri Ji had requested the authorities to hand over the event's management to the army, but his appeal was rejected. “We never intended to comment on this, but the truth is clear—VIP culture is the main cause. Roads were...
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