Pragyaraj, 29 January 2025: At least 15 people reportedly died after a stampede-like situation broke out at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj during Mauni Amavasya Snan in the early hours of Wednesday, AFP reported.
Officials have yet to confirm the exact death toll, while rescue operations continued to manage the crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath multiple times within an hour to assess the situation.
UP CM Adityanath urged devotees to avoid Sangam Nose and instead take a holy dip at a designated Ghat near Maa Ganga. He also cautioned against spreading or believing in rumours.
“The situation in Prayagraj is under control, but the crowd remains massive. Saints from various Akharas have requested that devotees take their dip first, and once the crowd reduces, Akharas will proceed for their holy dip,” he told ANI.
Following the incident, Akharas called off the Amrit Snan scheduled for January 29. PTI reported casualties and injuries due to the overcrowding, while authorities struggled to manage the swelling crowd at Triveni Sangam, where Mauni Amavasya marks the ‘second Shahi Snan’ of the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela.
Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana told ANI that the stampede-like situation occurred when some barriers broke on the Sangam routes, resulting in injuries. “Some people are receiving treatment, but it is not a serious situation,” she said.
The Mahakumbh Mela, considered the largest human gathering on Earth, began on January 13 in Prayagraj and is set to conclude on February 26.
