Around 30 people were injured, some critically, in a stampede-like situation near the Sangam nose on late Tuesday night after a surge of devotees broke barricades, reports here said.
Though there is no official word about any casualty but reports say that some people lost their lives in the incident.
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However, SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi denied that any stampede had taken place in the Mahakumbh. He said “It was just overcrowding due to which some devotees got injured and it was not stampede. The situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to.”
The SSP said Amrit Snan will soon start and people are easily taking a dip in several ghats. He also denied having any information about casualties or injuries.
President Draupadi Murmu has condoled the incident. In a post on X, she wrote,”The stampede incident at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the families of the injured devotees and pray to God that all the injured devotees recover soon.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness on the incident. He said, “The accident that happened in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government.”
Prime Minister Modi has talked to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and taken information about the incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president and Health Minister J P Nadda had a telephonic conversation with CM Adityanath.
On the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, Prayagraj was transformed into a sea of devotees, as millions of Sanatanis gathered to take a holy dip at the Sangam.
After the stampede now, the Sangam nose where several devotees were injured, the Akhara Parishad had deferred its Amrit Snan and now people will be bathing without any pomp and show.
The stampede took place around 2AM and unofficially there were some casualties and 30 people injured in the incident. The stampede happened following a rumour and people started jumping the barricades.
According to official estimates, around 40 million devotees have taken a dip in Sangam and adjoining ghats till 11 AM and the total of over 200 million have bathed so far in the Mahakumbh.
Several trains crowded with pilgrims have been detained at several places before Prayagraj while all the roads in the city are choked with devotees, who were stranded due to diversion and barricades put on by the police to control the crowd.
Sources said around 30 million people are waiting to take a dip in the Ganga in Prayagraj and outskirts of the district.
In light of the overwhelming crowds pouring into Mahakumbh Nagar, Chief Minister Adityanath and revered saints have urged devotees to take a holy dip at the nearest Ganga ghat.
Emphasising that several ghats have been specially prepared to ensure a safe and convenient bathing experience for the pilgrims, the CM has appealed to devotees to avoid overcrowding at Sangam Nose.
The Chief Minister also requested everyone to strictly adhere to the fair administration’s guidelines and refrain from believing or spreading any rumours.
Along with Chief Minister Adityanath, prominent religious leaders have appealed to devotees gathered for the Mauni Amavasya Snan at Mahakumbh to exercise caution and self-discipline.
Swami Rambhadracharya urged devotees to let go of the insistence on bathing at the Sangam Nose and instead bathe at the nearest ghat. He advised people to stay near their camps and prioritise safety for themselves and others. As a leading saint of the Vaishnava sect, he also appealed to all Akharas and devotees to avoid falling prey to rumours.
Baba Ramdev stated, “Considering the massive gathering of crores of devotees, we have only taken a symbolic bath for now, while praying for the welfare of the entire nation and the world.” He urged devotees to practice self-discipline, avoid getting carried away by excessive enthusiasm, and take a holy dip with caution and responsibility.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri of Juna Akhara echoed similar sentiment, stating that sants had opted for a symbolic bath in light of the overwhelming crowds.
Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri stated, “At this time, more than 12 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj. Managing such a massive crowd is a challenging task. With lakhs of saints and their followers also present, ensuring the safety of all devotees remains our top priority.”
