Mahakumbh Stampede LIVE: A stampede took place at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday as large crowds thronged the ghats for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya
Mahakumbh Stampede LIVE: Over 30 people have died, while 60 were injured after a stamped-like incident occurred at Mahakumbh mela being held in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna said on Wednesday A stampede took place at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday as large crowds thronged the ghats for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
Meanwhile, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an investigation by the judicial commission into the stampede incident. He said that a separate probe will also be done to look into police lapses.
Earlier, members of Akhara’s gathered in small numbers at Triveni Sangam on Wednesday to take an ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya.
Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara speaking to ANI after taking ‘Amrit snan’ said that after today’s stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh people from Niranjani Akhara are coming in small numbers to take a holy dip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah called up Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation.
Vivek Mishra, a content creator from Prayagraj, said the devotees , many of whom were carrying luggage, had no idea where to go after bathing. “There were large number of dustbins that pilgrims could not seen. A few fell as they lost balance. Their luggage could be seen all over. I also fell as my feet got stuck in one of the dustbins. Lost my shoes. I was left barefoot. I sustained a foot injury. I somehow stood up and saved my parents and another woman lying on the ground. Youngsters in the crowd started pushing others. This situation led to stampede. I cannot describe what I saw…”
Opposition hit out at the Centre over the stampede, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge blaming “half-baked” arrangements and “paying more attention to self-promotion”. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that those responsible for falsely claiming a “world-class system” at the event take moral responsibility for the tragedy and step down from their positions.