Key Points:
- Government Confirms 30 Deaths: Official count from Thursday’s Maha Kumbh stampede, but reports suggest actual fatalities could be higher.
- Claims of Two Stampedes: Eyewitnesses and viral videos indicate a second stampede occurred in the Jhunsi area, sparking outrage over the lack of official acknowledgment.
- Cleaning Operations Raise Suspicions: Viral footage shows debris being removed by JCB machines and tractors, prompting allegations of a cover-up by the administration.
- Eyewitness Accounts Paint Grim Picture: Survivors recount chaos, injuries, and even looting during the stampedes, highlighting security and crowd management failures.
- Opposition Criticism Mounts: Political leaders and citizens question the accuracy of the death toll and the government’s handling of the crisis.
Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a celebration of spirituality and devotion, turned into a nightmare on Thursday as stampedes claimed multiple lives during Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest bathing days. While the Uttar Pradesh government has officially acknowledged 30 fatalities, claims of a second, unreported stampede have surfaced, raising serious questions about the transparency of the administration.
Viral videos and firsthand accounts from the ground suggest that a second stampede occurred in the Jhunsi area, where the aftermath saw scattered shoes, slippers, and personal belongings of devotees. The alleged delay in reporting casualties and the sight of debris being cleared via tractors and JCB machines have added fuel to allegations of a cover-up.
Eyewitness Testimonies: Chaos and Horror
First Stampede at Sangam Nose:
The first stampede occurred around 1:30 AM near Sangam Nose, during the peak of bathing hours. Eyewitnesses described the scene as thousands of pilgrims surged toward the ghat, causing barricades to collapse.
Claims of a Second Stampede in Jhunsi
According to reports, the second stampede took place around 5:30 AM in the Jhunsi area, another highly crowded location during the Kumbh.
- Casualties Unconfirmed: While no official statement acknowledges the second incident, eyewitness accounts suggest several injuries and possible deaths.
- Scattered Belongings: Images and videos from the site show shoes, slippers, and debris strewn across the area, raising suspicions of unreported casualties.
An Eyewitness Account:
A shopkeeper named Pooja, whose store was located near the site of the second stampede, shared her harrowing experience:
“People rushed into our shop during the chaos. They stole nearly ₹1.8 lakh and six people died inside my shop due to suffocation. There was no security just two policemen stationed near us. It felt like no one was in charge.”
Video Evidence Sparks Allegations of Cover-Up
A viral video taken after the stampede shows debris being removed by JCB machines and loaded onto tractors, prompting speculation that the administration might be attempting to conceal the true scale of the tragedy.
A sanitation worker, seen in the video, claimed:
“We’ve cleared 7-8 tractor loads of debris from the site. Some items look like they belonged to injured people. The government hasn’t told us what’s really happening.”
Opposition and Public Outrage
The alleged mishandling of the stampede and claims of unreported deaths have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties:
- Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party): “The BJP government is focused on optics rather than safety. How many more tragedies will be hidden under the garb of crowd control?”
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress): “There’s a clear lack of preparation. While devotees mourn, the government is busy covering its tracks.”
Citizens on social media have also expressed anger, accusing the administration of failing to anticipate crowd surges and mismanaging security.
Government’s Response So Far
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede, led by former Justice Harsh Kumar, with additional members from the IAS and DGP cadre. However, the administration has not addressed allegations regarding the second stampede in Jhunsi.
A statement from a government official read:
“The investigation will examine all reports of crowd mismanagement and ensure accountability. Immediate steps are being taken to improve safety for the remaining days of the Kumbh.”
What Went Wrong? Key Failures
1. Inadequate Crowd Management:
- Overwhelmed Holding Areas: Designated zones to stagger the crowd were either insufficient or unused.
- Delayed Security Deployment: Critical areas like Jhunsi had minimal police presence, as per eyewitness accounts.
2. Infrastructure Inadequacies:
- Closed Pontoon Bridges: Several pontoon bridges remained shut, forcing pilgrims onto congested routes.
3. Lack of Emergency Planning:
- Reports suggest delayed medical response in both incidents, contributing to additional fatalities.
Maha Kumbh’s Numbers: Devotion Amid Tragedy
Despite the stampede, the Maha Kumbh continues to see unprecedented participation.
- Mauni Amavasya Bathing Stats: Over 7.64 crore devotees took part on Thursday alone.
- Total Turnout: Since January 13, 19.94 crore pilgrims have attended the festival.
Growing Demands for Transparency
The tragedy at the Maha Kumbh has cast a shadow over the sacred gathering, with allegations of a cover-up and widespread mismanagement intensifying public outrage. As the judicial commission begins its investigation, the government faces a critical test to restore faith by ensuring accountability, transparency, and improved safety measures for the remaining duration of the festival.
While faith keeps the pilgrims coming, the memories of these stampedes will remain an indelible mark on the Maha Kumbh’s legacy. Will the truth emerge, or will it be buried under the weight of politics and mismanagement?
Next Steps: Findings of the judicial inquiry expected within 60 days, with interim safety reforms to be implemented immediately.
