Prayagraj: A devastating stampede near the Sangam Nose during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 on Tuesday night left 30 dead and 60 injured, officials confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday. DIG (Fair Area) Vaibhav Krishna and DM Vijay Anand addressed the media, revealing that while 25 victims have been identified, 5 bodies remain unrecognized. Authorities urged families to contact the helpline 1920 for assistance.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, swiftly announced a judicial inquiry and ₹25 lakh compensation for each victim’s family. The inquiry committee will include retired Judge Harsh Kumar, former IAS officer BK Singh, and former IPS officer VK Gupta, tasked with submitting findings within a strict timeline.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos at Sangam Ghat
The stampede occurred as pilgrims converged at the Sangam Nose, a key bathing ghat during Mauni Amavasya, considered one of the holiest days in the Maha Kumbh. Witnesses described a sudden surge in the crowd, leading to collapsed barricades and panic.
A survivor, recounted:
“People were pushing from all sides. Within minutes, the barricades broke, and dozens fell. The screams were unbearable.”
Government Response and Compensation
- Financial Assistance: CM Yogi announced ₹25 lakh for families of the deceased, emphasizing support for the injured.
- Judicial Probe: The committee will investigate crowd management lapses and accountability gaps.
- High-Level Visits: The Chief Secretary and DGP of Uttar Pradesh will visit Prayagraj to oversee relief efforts and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
National Leaders Mourn the Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heart-wrenching,” extending condolences to affected families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed it a “deeply painful moment for the nation.”
President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also expressed grief, urging authorities to expedite support for victims.
Helpline and Identification Efforts
The Prayagraj administration is coordinating with families via helpline 1920 to report missing persons and identify the 5 unknown victims. Forensic teams and local police are using photographs and personal belongings to assist in identification.
Past Incidents and Ongoing Safety Concerns
This tragedy renews focus on safety at India’s religious mega-events. The Maha Kumbh, which attracts over 10 crore pilgrims, has struggled with crowd control historically. In 2013, a stampede in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) during the Kumbh claimed 36 lives.
Despite advanced planning, including 45 bathing ghats and AI-driven crowd monitoring, the surge during Mauni Amavasya overwhelmed infrastructure.
Next Steps: Strengthening Crowd Management
Authorities have deployed additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) units and imposed stricter entry checks at key ghats. DM Vijay Anand stated:
“We are revising crowd diversion plans and ensuring real-time coordination between agencies to prevent such incidents in the future.”
A Somber Turn at the Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh, a celebration of faith and spirituality, has been overshadowed by this tragedy. As families mourn their loved ones, the judicial probe’s findings will be critical in addressing systemic issues and restoring trust in the administration’s ability to safeguard pilgrims.
With the Maha Kumbh continuing until February 26, the state government faces immense pressure to balance devotion with safety. For now, Prayagraj remains a city in mourning, grappling with the human cost of a sacred gathering turned tragic.
