Stampede at Mahakumbh Mela 2025
A tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday (January 29) claimed 30 lives and left 60 others injured. The incident occurred at the Sangam area when millions of pilgrims rushed for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, considered one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the casualty figures, stating that security arrangements were overwhelmed by the sheer number of devotees.
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Judicial Inquiry
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered a judicial inquiry. Speaking on the situation, he said:
“A large number of devotees had gathered in Prayagraj since 7 PM yesterday to take a holy dip. Unfortunately, a stampede broke out at Akhara Marg, injuring over 90 people and claiming 30 lives. Currently, 36 people are undergoing treatment in Prayagraj.”
The Chief Minister assured that all necessary aid and medical support were being provided to the injured.
PM Modi in Constant Touch with CM Yogi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath multiple times to monitor the relief and rescue operations. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and assured full support from the central government.
प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025
महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज में हुई घटना अत्यंत दु:खद है, मर्माहत करने वाली है।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025
मृतकों को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि व मेरी संवेदनाएं शोक संतप्त परिजनों के साथ हैं... pic.twitter.com/IuJ8Sz2GTh
Political Reactions and Criticism
The Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the handling of the Maha Kumbh Mela, demanding that the event’s administration be handed over to the Indian Army. He claimed that people have lost faith in the Uttar Pradesh government’s ability to manage the event.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also blamed the poor crowd management and VIP culture for the tragedy. He tweeted:
“The news from Prayagraj is heartbreaking. This tragedy is the result of mismanagement and VIP movement being prioritized over common pilgrims.”
महाकुंभ में अव्यवस्थाजन्य हादसे में श्रद्धालुओं के हताहत होने का समाचार बेहद दुखद है। श्रद्धांजलि!
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 29, 2025
हमारी सरकार से अपील है कि:
- गंभीर रूप से घायलों को एअर एंबुलेंस की मदद से निकटतम सर्वश्रेष्ठ हॉस्पिटलों तक पहुंचाकर तुरंत चिकित्सा व्यवस्था की जाए।
- मृतकों के शवों को चिन्हित… pic.twitter.com/xZcaU940cO
Previous instances of stampedes occurring during Kumbh Mela
Every Kumbh Mela has been accompanied by stampedes due to uncontrollable crowds. Here are some of the more terrible ones.
- February 3, 1954: Kumbh Mela in Allahabad or today’s Prayagraj had resulted in a stampede leading to approximately 800 deaths.
- 1986: The stampede that occurred in Haridwar had resulted in 200 deaths along with VIP barriers on the river banks.
- 2003, Nashik, Maharashtra, the Kumbh Mela resulted in a stampede that killed 39 people, while in 2013, 42 died in a stampede at the Allahabad Railway Station.
- 2013: A deadly stampede at Allahabad Railway Station killed 42 people and injured 45.
Current Situation and Relief Efforts
Rescue and relief operations have commenced, with medical teams already set up in various hospitals. The relatives of the deceased are to be compensated Rs 25 lakh, according to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Obstacles to stampedes such as these are being concentrated on, with new investigations commencing to put plans into action for the remaining major Mahakumbh events.
