Mahakumbh stampede: 30 dead, 60 injured; CM Yogi announces Rs 25 lakh compensation for kin of victims
A tragic stampede occurred during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 29, 2025, resulting in 30 fatalities and approximately 60 injuries. This incident took place around 2:30 AM as a massive influx of devotees gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the festival. Eyewitness accounts suggest that confusion and heavy crowds contributed to the chaos, with many pilgrims carrying heavy luggage and struggling to navigate through the area.
In response to this tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $30,000) for the families of the deceased. He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, forming a three-member commission to investigate the causes and circumstances surrounding the stampede. The commission will be led by former judge Harsh Kumar and includes retired officials from various sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and praying for the recovery of those injured. The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures at such large gatherings, particularly given that over 10 crore (100 million) pilgrims were expected to participate in the Mahakumbh celebrations this year.
This stampede is reminiscent of previous incidents at similar events; notably, a stampede in 2013 during the Mahakumbh resulted in 36 deaths. Authorities are now under scrutiny regarding their preparedness and crowd control protocols as they continue to manage the ongoing festival, which is set to conclude on February 26, 2025.
