A massive crowd assembled in the fairgrounds near the Sangam bank on Mauni Amavasya.
Prayagraj, India – A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India before dawn on Wednesday has claimed the lives of dozens, as millions of Hindu devotees gathered for a holy dip on the most auspicious day of the six-week-long festival.The chaos erupted when an overwhelming surge of worshippers pushed toward the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, where immersion is believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation. Witnesses reported a sudden rush, causing people to fall over one another, while some blamed the closure of access routes for the tragedy.
Death Toll Rising, Families in Mourning
Authorities initially confirmed 17 deaths, but as the day progressed, the toll rose significantly. Reuters counted 39 bodies in the morgue of Moti Lal Nehru Medical College hospital, where bodies were still being brought in hours after the deadly crush. Three police sources estimated the death toll to be nearly 40.
“More bodies are coming in. We have nearly 40 bodies here. We are transferring them out as well and handing them over to families one by one,” a hospital official stated. Senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna reported that 90 people were taken to the hospital, with 30 confirmed dead.
At Prayagraj’s SRN Hospital, medical staff revealed that many victims suffered heart attacks or had underlying health conditions like diabetes. “People came in with fractures, broken bones … Some collapsed on the spot and were brought dead,” a hospital official said.
Among the grieving was Saroja, who had traveled from Belagavi in southern India for the festival. Having lost four family members, she blamed authorities for the tragedy. “Police didn’t make proper arrangements. They are responsible for this,” she wailed.
Government Defends Police Amid Calls for Accountability
Despite mounting criticism, the Uttar Pradesh state government defended law enforcement, praising their “swift and effective response” in preventing an even larger disaster.
“The police acted quickly to restore order and ensure the safety of the pilgrims, significantly minimizing the situation’s impact,” read the first official statement from authorities regarding the stampede.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributed the tragedy to devotees attempting to jump barricades meant for crowd control. In response to the growing public outcry, a Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed at the site, ensuring better crowd management in the aftermath.
PM Modi Offers Condolences as Opposition Slams “Mismanagement”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to “devotees who have lost their loved ones,” though he did not specify the number of casualties.
Meanwhile, opposition parties fiercely criticized the government, blaming the stampede on “mismanagement” and “VIP culture.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “VIP culture should be curbed, and the government should make better arrangements to meet the needs of common devotees.”
A Record-Breaking Gathering Turns Deadly
Authorities had anticipated an unprecedented 100 million visitors at the temporary township of Prayagraj on Wednesday alone. By 4 p.m. (1030 GMT), officials reported that more than 57 million people had already taken a holy dip, bringing the total number of attendees to nearly 200 million since the festival began two weeks ago.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, attracts devotees and high-profile figures alike. This year’s attendees included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, and international celebrities such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
To manage the vast crowds, authorities had deployed additional security personnel, medical teams, and AI-based crowd control systems. However, the sheer number of attendees overwhelmed existing arrangements, leading to Wednesday’s catastrophe.
Heart-Wrenching Scenes and the Path Ahead
In the aftermath of the stampede, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded. Some people sat on the ground, weeping for lost relatives, while others stepped over scattered belongings abandoned by those who had tried to escape the crush.
As security forces worked to restore order, helicopters showered flower petals over the holy site. Ascetics smeared in ash and clad in saffron robes proceeded toward the river, watched by dense crowds of devotees.
With investigations underway, the tragedy has sparked renewed debate about the safety of mass religious gatherings in India. While officials continue to defend their handling of the situation, grieving families and opposition leaders demand justice for the lives lost in what was supposed to be a sacred, joyous occasion.
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