15 Killed in Stampede at Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh
A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of 15 devotees and left many others injured. The incident occurred early on January 29, 2025, as thousands gathered at the Sangam to partake in a holy dip during the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
The chaos began when barricades collapsed under the pressure of the massive crowd, leading to panic and a rush towards the river confluence where the bathing was taking place. Emergency services responded quickly, with nearly 70 ambulances deployed to transport the injured to Swaroop Rani Hospital. Among those affected were several women and children, with reports indicating that some injuries were serious.
In light of this tragedy, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for all 13 Akharas participating in the event. The decision was made to prioritize safety amidst fears that the death toll could rise as authorities continue to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively monitoring developments and has reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for updates and support measures. The Kumbh Mela is known for attracting millions of pilgrims, and on this particular day alone, approximately 55 million devotees were expected to attend.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding crowd management at large religious gatherings in India, a challenge that has led to previous tragedies at similar events.
