Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said "some of the devotees were seriously injured" in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday, without confirming any fatality numbers.
Speaking to the media, Yogi said: Around 8 to 10 crore devotes are present in Prayagraj at this time. Yesterday 5 crore took the holy bath. There is a massive crowd and pressure as devotees are going to Samgam Noj. At around 1 to 2 am, a few devotees suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricading on Akhara Marg."
While the government has not acknowledged any fatalities, sources say several people are feared dead with AFP reporting at least 15 deaths.
Yogi, in his briefing, said the injured were shifted to hospitals. "Since Mauni Amavasya mahurat started last night, a large number of devotees have been coming in. The PM has taken stock of the situation four times till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also continuously taking reports of the situation. The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd size remains massive," he said.
He urged the devotees to prioritise safety by following official instructions. The incident, which occurred at the Sangam, has prompted authorities to reassess crowd management measures.
In a social media post, CM Yogi Adityanath advised devotees to avoid overcrowding by taking their holy dip at the nearest ghat. "Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj, dear devotees, Please take your holy bath at the ghat nearest to you, and do not attempt to go towards the Sangam Noj. Kindly follow all the instructions given by the administration and cooperate in maintaining order," he wrote on X. He assured that all ghats at the Sangam were open for bathing and asked people not to pay attention to rumours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both expressed concern and are closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister Modi has assured full support from the central government, while Amit Shah has reiterated the commitment to providing any necessary assistance.
Meanwhile, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadrachaya on Wednesday appealed to all devotees to not insist on taking a dip at the Sangam Ghat, urging them to stay in their camps for safety. In a video message, he said, "A large crowd has gathered, and for now, devotees should not leave their camps. Take the dip at the nearest ghat," he advised.
Religious leaders, including Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Paramath Niketan Ashram President Swami Chidanand Saraswati, echoed similar sentiments, urging pilgrims to use the nearest ghats for safety.
Read More
