Many feared dead after stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj
A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh resulted in the killing of at least 15 people and more than 70 injuries on Wednesday.
The incident took place when devotees were gathered at the world’s largest religious festival to take a pre-dawn holy dip to mark the most auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, according to reports.
Taking to X, PM Modi expressed deepest condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede. He added that he had spoken to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and state authorities to ensure the safety of all devotees visiting the Kumbh Mela. He also called for “immediate support measures” and reviewed the developments at the site.
“The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way”, he said in the tweet.
As per officials familiar with the incident, a Rapid Action Force (RAF) had been deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, CM Adityanath said, “Between 1am and 2am in the night, some devotees tried to cross over the barricades which were set up for the designated area for the akharas [monastic sects of warrior sadhus, or holy men] to take a bath. That caused some injuries to devotees who were immediately referred to hospital for treatment.”
As a record 100 million people were expected to visit Prayagraj for the dip on Tuesday, authorities had increased security and medical personnel at the site. Since the Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13, tens of millions of devotees have attended the world’s largest congregation.
Held over 45 days in Prayagraj, more than 400 million people, the biggest crowd in its history, are expected to attend this year’s Kumbh Mela festivities. This year’s celebration is particularly important as the Maha or grand Kumbh Mela takes place only every 144 years to mark the special celestial alignment of the sun, moon, Jupiter and Saturn.
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