A stampede at the Maha Kumbh on January 29, 2025, has left at least 30 pilgrims dead and over 60 injured at one of the world's largest religious gatherings, known for drawing millions to the banks of the sacred Triveni Sangam during the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. The tragedy unfolded just after 1 AM when the sheer volume of devotees trying to partake in the holy dip seemingly overwhelmed the area, leading to chaos and panic.
The impact of the stampede has reverberated far beyond the immediate loss of life, igniting intense political scrutiny and public outcry about crowd management efforts by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eyewitness accounts suggest serious lapses, with many expressing disbelief at how such a large gathering could occur without proper control measures.
Among the bereaved families are those of Amiya Saha, 28, from Malda, and Binod Ruidas, 35, from Jamuria. Amiya's father described the harrowing moment when he rushed his son to the hospital only to find he had already succumbed to chest pains. His account was echoed by many others who lamented the lack of timely medical attention, claiming the UP administration had failed to provide even basic support, including death certificates for their loved ones.
“We didn’t get any death certificate,” Amiya’s father emphasized, criticizing the neglect after running from one official to another for assistance. Similar sentiments were conveyed about Ruidas, with his family also reporting they received no formal documentation following his tragic death.
The political fallout was immediate, with opposition leaders accusing the Yogi Adityanath-led government of trying to obscure the true extent of the disaster. Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee commented to reporters, “You have seen Maha Kumbh has been going on for so many days...there has to be proper arrangements,” highlighting the stark difference between the promotional efforts for the Kumbh and the evident lack of safety preparations.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav joined the chorus of criticism, claiming the administration is hiding the true death toll to avoid compensations for victim families. He said, “The UP government and the Chief Minister have failed morally and politically... they don’t have to provide compensation,” leading to broader questions about transparency and accountability.
Adding to the chaos, media reports and eyewitness accounts indicate there may have been multiple stampede events occurring on the same night, yielding more missing persons than the administration has publicly recognized. According to reports from Dainik Bhaskar, as many as 1,500 individuals are unaccounted for, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and emergency response measures during peak hours.
The state government’s delayed and inconsistent communication has prompted demands for greater transparency. Many families are left without answers, as there seems to be no coherent plan to address the tragedy's aftermath. While the authorities confirmed 30 deaths and 60 injuries, reports surfaced claiming the actual numbers could be much higher, and clarifications from officials remain sparse.
Government officials stated they would investigate the incident thoroughly. “We will investigate the videos which have surfaced and will assure corrective actions,” announced one top senior official, but skepticism remains high among the public and the opposition.
With the Maha Kumbh continuing and thousands flocking daily, all eyes are now on the Uttar Pradesh government. The pressing need for improved crowd management, adequate medical resources, and genuine support for the grieving families is underscored by this tragic incident. The failure to provide such measures raises questions about the future safety of attendees and accountability for the lost lives.
What happened during this catastrophe serves as both a reminder of the importance of preparedness at large gatherings and the subsequent responsibility of authorities to protect its citizens. The families of the victims and the general public await answers, and assurance is needed to regain trust as they continue to navigate this harrowing aftermath.