INDIA: A tragic stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela near the Sangam ghat in Prayagraj at around 1:30 AM last night, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuring more than 50 others. According to Dainik Bhaskar, 14 bodies have been sent to Swaroop Rani Hospital for post-mortem. However, official figures on casualties have not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
Following the chaos, the administration decided to cancel the scheduled Amrit Snan (holy bath) upon request. Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri stated that the decision was made due to overcrowding at the Sangam area.
Cause of the Stampede
The incident reportedly began when sudden panic spread among the devotees, causing a rush. Several women fell to the ground and were trampled in the chaos. Witnesses say the situation escalated rapidly, leading to a stampede-like scenario.
Rescue and Immediate Response
- More than 70 ambulances were rushed to the scene.
- Injured individuals and deceased victims were transported to hospitals.
- National Security Guard (NSG) commandos have been deployed at the Sangam ghat for security.
- Public entry into the Sangam area has been restricted.
- Authorities have imposed movement restrictions in neighboring districts to prevent further overcrowding.
Government's Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to inquire about the incident. The government is actively monitoring the situation, and an investigation into the cause of the tragedy has been initiated.
Maha Kumbh Mela and Its Significance
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik on a rotational basis. Millions of pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the river, believing it purifies them of sins. However, managing such a massive crowd poses significant challenges, and incidents like this highlight the need for stricter crowd control measures.
The authorities are now working to ensure safety measures are reinforced to prevent further mishaps during the ongoing festival.
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