 "Maha Kumbh stampede: Did devotees jumping barricades lead to mishap that killed 30?")
Thirty people died, and several others were injured in a stampede at the Sangam area during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.
Millions of devotees had gathered at the world’s largest religious congregation, looking for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya (new moon) on early Wednesday.
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The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who died. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry, adding that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a specified time frame.
But what caused the stampede? Let’s take a look at the details:
What led to the Maha Kumbh stampede?
The stampede took place when several devotees attempted to jump over barricades set up to control crowds during the ascetics’ holy dip, officials said.
DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna said in a statement, “On the Mauni Amavasya Snan, between 1 and 2 am ahead of the Brahm Muhurta, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara route, because of which the barricades on the other side broke. The crowd on this side crossed to the other side and started running over devotees waiting for Brahm Muhurta.”
VIDEO | Maha Kumbh 2025: Addressing a press conference, DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna confirms 30 casualties in the stampede incident.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2025
"On the Mauni Amavasya Snan, between 1 and 2 am ahead of the Brahm Muhurta, huge crowd gathered on the Akhara route, because of which the… pic.twitter.com/rgauSELmhJ
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More Shorts“The administration quickly enforced the rescue operation, created a green corridor for ambulances, and took 90 injured to the hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 of those devotees have died,” he added.
The Uttar Pradesh government stated that the stampede took place when barricades at ‘Akhara Marg’ were broken down, causing people at the back to fall on those sitting or sleeping while waiting for the ‘Brahm Muhurat’ - the most auspicious time for the holy dip.
Some eyewitnesses described how closed routes to the water left the crowd stranded, leading to suffocation. As people collapsed, panic spread, and many began pushing, pulling, or climbing over others in an attempt to escape, Reuters said in a report.
Others recounted a forceful push from behind that trapped them between barricades on one side and police personnel on the other. A hospital official treating the injured said several victims suffered fractures and broken bones, while some of those who died had heart attacks.
#FPVideo: A stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, India. At least 30 women were injured, and 10 people are feared dead. The mishap occurred after several devotees gathered near the holy river on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. pic.twitter.com/xO8WERIEZg
— Firstpost (@firstpost) January 29, 2025
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A state of confusion
Snehlata Shukla, a devotee from Gwalior, had travelled to the Maha Kumbh with five family members for a sacred dip on Mauni Amavasya. However, her spiritual journey turned chaotic due to confusion at Sangam Nose.
She told News18, “Around 1:30 am, the situation spiralled out of control. Sangam Nose was completely packed, and nobody knew what to do. The area was so vast that finding an entry or exit point became impossible.”
Many pilgrims carried heavy luggage on their heads, further blocking visibility and adding to the chaos.
#WATCH | On Mahakumbh stampede, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night. The Mela Authority,… pic.twitter.com/3dsSeVxmOg
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025
UP CM orders inquiry, issues key guidelines
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede and stated that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a specified timeframe.
“A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM’s, Chief Secretary and DGP’s control rooms throughout the day,” he said.
Reflecting on the tragedy, he said the accident happened due to overcrowding and the collapse of barricades.
“The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones,” he said.
In response, the administration has introduced five key changes, including designating the entire fair area as a No-Vehicle Zone.
According to a report by NDTV, the following measures have been put in place:
1. All types of vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the Maha Kumbh area to improve crowd management and ensure the safety of devotees.
2. VVIP passes have been revoked, and no vehicles will be granted entry through special passes.
3. Vehicles from districts bordering Prayagraj are being halted at the district limits.
#MahaKumbhStampede | In the wake of the Maha Kumbh stampede #U.PGovt has tightened the restrictions, the area will be no vehicle zone till 4th Feb, VVIP passes have been cancelled. @KuheenaSharma share more details pic.twitter.com/L7eRTbWLcs
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 30, 2025
4. A one-way traffic system has been enforced to regulate the movement of devotees.
5. The entry of four-wheelers into the city has been completely banned until February 4.
Making an appeal to devotees, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Coming to Sangam Nose is not essential; there are 150 to 200 ghats available for bathing. The pressure on Sangam is extremely high.”
He briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone about the situation. Meanwhile, officials are monitoring the Kumbh Mela from helicopters. More than 70 ambulances were dispatched to transport the injured and deceased to hospitals.
Increased security measures have been put in place, with NSG commandos taking charge of security in the Sangam area, where public access has been restricted. In Prayagraj, restrictions have been imposed on pilgrims to prevent further crowding, with measures extending to nearby districts.
Following the incident, CM Yogi Adityanath held an emergency meeting at his residence, attended by senior police and administrative officials. Discussions focused on crowd management strategies in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
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Additional security personnel have been deployed, including a specialised police unit trained for crisis management. Entry into the city is being regulated to control the crowds.
On Wednesday, authorities adjusted the ritual schedule, allowing devotees to take their dips first. The saints’ processions, originally planned on a larger scale, were delayed until the number of general attendees had significantly reduced.
President Murmu, PM Modi, CM Adityanath offer condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy. “The stampede incident at Prayagraj Mahakumbh 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,” she wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow over the incident at Maha Kumbh, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
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
“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," the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Yogi Adityanath following the incident at Sangam, assuring full support from the central government.
In a message posted on X, the Home Minister wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Maha Kumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night.”
The CM also announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased. “We are also announcing financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased on behalf of the state government. The judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report to the state government within a time limit,” he added.
With inputs from agencies
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