The sacred occasion of Mouni Amavasya, a day of immense spiritual significance, witnessed an unprecedented surge in pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh, leading to a tragic stampede. The state government had anticipated a massive turnout, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath estimating that around 4 to 5 crore devotees would gather at the ghats for the auspicious bath. Arrangements were made for up to 10 crore pilgrims to ensure adequate preparedness. However, on January 29, the actual football exceeded all expectations, reaching an overwhelming 14 core people.
The VIP ghats at the Prayagraj Maha Kumb 2025, are established at a distance from the Sangam Nose. However, the focal point of the event remained the Sangam Nose, a site of profound spiritual importance. The day featured two significant muhurats, one in the morning and another late at night. The Akharas, initially determined to take their holy dip in the morning hours, reconsidered their plans due to the overwhelming crowd at the site.
Despite the lack of preparations for such an enormous gathering, authorities managed to regulate the crowd throughout the day. However, as the night muhurats approached, the situation at Sangham Nose became chaotic.
Video footage shows the police commissioner appealing to the crowd to disperse, warning of an imminent stampede. Despite his efforts, many ignored the warnings resulting in a large concentration at the Sangam Nose. While some people struggled to navigate their way out due to sheer overcrowding and confusion.
The unfortunate stampede and political repercussions
As the world’s largest spiritual gathering turned into a scene of disaster, a stampede broke out, leading to multiple casualties. The event has since become charged with some fractions downplaying the number of casualties while others exaggerate figures to fuel controversy. Authorities have yet to disclose the official death toll as identifying victims is a priority before releasing any statement in public. While the critics argue that the state is concealing, the data will be made public.
In today’s digital age, where nearly every individual has access to smartphones and social media, suppressing the truth is nearly impossible. The official statement released claims the toll of death to be 30 but there the eyewitnesses claim the toll to be between 80-100. However, hopefully, the families of the deceased will inevitably claim their loved ones, ensuring that the actual count of the casualties comes to light.
Among those who lost their lives was a police officer, Anjani Kumar Rai.
Conflicting narratives and public reactions
Tany Mittal, a pilgrim caught in the chaos, shared her distressing experience. Speaking to a news channel, she recounted how she desperately called higher authorities for help, sending her location and pleading, “People are dying, save them.” However, her pleas went unanswered. She described how she and others attempted to rescue as many people as possible, providing water to those in need. “There were three to four dead bodies near my feet in the Haldiram store. I saw 30-40 Aadhar and ID cards lying scattered. I did what everyone should have done. If only! It would have been better if I had died,” she lamented.
A video of Tanya Mittla's statement went viral, where she claimed to have helped wounded pilgrims. However, the comment section of the reel told a different story. In the footage, Tanya appeared well-dressed, seated on a chair, and accused the police department of negligence.
The video was perceived by many as attention-seeking, raising questions about the authenticity of her claims. While the situation at the site was undoubtedly dire, the true extent of the police department’s responsibility and its response will be determined by official investigations conducted by the authorities.
Another video surfaced of a female police stationed at the site, urgently pleading to her superiors, “Sir, the situation is worsening. I cannot explain everything on video. Send reinforcement quickly.” she further stated that the police department failed to control the situation.
While it is a collective human responsibility to aid those in distress during such tragedies making exaggerated claims for personal publicity undermines the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, such statements are often politicized. The focus should remain on addressing the real issues ensuring the safety of innocent lives and preventing such tragedies in the future.
The DIG has yet to release the official casualty figure.