– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: A tragic stampede at Prayagraj Mahakumbh has claimed at least 17 lives. In the aftermath, saints have raised concerns over mismanagement, while devotees hold the authorities responsible for the administrative failure that led to the disaster.
The stampede occurred between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM last night at the ‘Sangam Nose’ area, where large crowds had gathered for the second Shahi Snan. A rumour about an impending stampede triggered panic, causing devotees to rush in different directions. As people collided, many were trampled, leading to 17 fatalities and approximately 50 injuries.
The injured were transported to hospitals for treatment. However, despite the severity of the incident, the Mahakumbh administration has not officially confirmed the reported deaths. Senior IAS officer and Mahakumbh Mela official Vijay Karan Anand attributed the disaster to panic caused by false rumours.
Sangam Nose, where the tragedy unfolded, is a sacred site where devotees seek spiritual merit by bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the Saraswati rivers. The area attracts a massive number of saints, sadhus and pilgrims. Despite its religious significance, inadequate crowd management led to severe congestion, exacerbating the risk of such an incident.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to avoid Sangam Nose and use alternate ghats for bathing. Critics argue that if preventive crowd control measures had been implemented earlier, the tragedy could have been avoided. The administration is now focusing on enforcing stricter crowd control policies to prevent further incidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in frequent contact with the CM, assuring full support. Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and UP Governor Anandiben Patel are also monitoring the situation.
Religious leaders have strongly criticised the Mahakumbh administration. Mahant Premanand Ji, Mahamandaleshwar of Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani, stated: “The Mahakumbh administration has completely failed. Officials prioritise VIPs over public safety. Had they done their job, this tragedy could have been prevented.”
He added: “We requested that security be handed over to the army, but authorities ignored our appeal. The police are incapable of handling such massive crowds.”
Initially, there were discussions about cancelling the Shahi Snan. However, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri confirmed that the tradition would continue but with limited participation, restricted to saints and sadhus.
Political leaders have voiced their concern over the tragedy. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav urged the government to airlift critically injured victims for immediate medical attention. He also called for increased surveillance via helicopters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated: “The deaths at Mahakumbh are tragic. This disaster stems from administrative failure and prioritisation of VIPs over common devotees. Immediate reforms are needed to prevent further incidents.”
Meanwhile, public frustration is mounting. Many devotees, including those from Maharashtra, have criticised the lack of proper arrangements, citing incidents of theft and inadequate security.
Authorities have restricted transportation to Prayagraj, limiting access to the city. Casualties are said have reached up to 40. However, despite mounting political and public pressure, the UP government has remained silent on the exact number of casualties.
