Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday to assess the situation at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, following a stampede-like incident. The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures to ensure public safety.
According to Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana, the chaos occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when some barriers broke, leading to a stampede-like situation. She assured the public that the injuries sustained were not serious and that those affected were receiving medical treatment. “On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured and are under treatment, but it is not a serious situation,” she told reporters.
Rescue operations are currently underway, and the injured have been taken to the Central Hospital for medical care. The incident occurred as a massive crowd of 80 to 100 million devotees is expected to gather at the Sangam Ghats for the ‘Amrit Snan’ during ‘Mauni Amavasya.’ Thousands of people have gathered to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, adding to the already high crowd pressure.
In light of the incident and the large crowd, local authorities requested the Akharas to temporarily postpone their ritual baths. “Some ‘Devta’ of the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara proceeded, but due to the overwhelming crowd, the situation was not suitable. As a result, the Akhara has temporarily halted the ‘Snan’ for the Mahamandaleshwars,” one devotee explained.
Further details regarding the situation are awaited.
‘Mauni Amavasya,’ the day marking the second Shahi Snan, is expected to attract tens of millions of devotees. Other significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
