30 Dead, 60 Injured in Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh on Mauni Amavasya. 

Prayagraj:

At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a stampede early on January 29, 2025, at the Sangam area during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh in India. The incident occurred between 1-2 am when millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

According to officials, the stampede was triggered by a sudden surge of devotees, leading to the collapse of barricades meant to manage the crowd. The pressure from the crowd caused people to fall on those waiting at the ghats, with many crushed in the chaos. Among the deceased, four were from Karnataka, and one each from Assam and Gujarat.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and announced a judicial probe into the incident. A three-member commission, led by Justice Harsh Kumar, will investigate the causes of the stampede. Adityanath also announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

Eyewitnesses reported a terrifying scene of pushing and jostling, with some devotees trapped and unable to escape. Among the injured were several women and children, with many being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as “extremely saddening.” He praised the local administration for its swift response and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

In response to the incident, the UP government has issued strict instructions to ensure that no VIP protocol will be followed at the Mela from now on. Despite the tragedy, the bathing rituals at Sangam resumed later in the day, but authorities continue to urge pilgrims to avoid overcrowding and follow safety protocols.

This is not the first stampede at the Maha Kumbh; a similar tragedy occurred in 2013, highlighting ongoing concerns over crowd management at such large-scale religious events.