Mahakumbh 2025 Live Updates
A stampede-like incident occurred at the Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, prompting concerns over safety. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the situation is now under control, though several devotees sustained serious injuries. He noted that approximately eight to ten crore people had gathered for the ‘Amrit Snan’ this morning and urged everyone to remain cautious. Many injured individuals have been rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation, holding a review meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The two leaders have spoken three times since the incident early Wednesday morning, as authorities work to manage the massive crowds at the Sangam.
In response to the incident, Akharas have called off their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya. Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, Akanksha Rana, reported that the injuries occurred after a barrier collapsed.
Eyewitness Ramesh Kumar described the chaos:
"I saw people rushing toward the riverbanks to take a dip. As the crowd surged, many started falling over each other, and the police struggled to control the situation. For hours, ambulances have been coming and going. I had to run to the Akhara area to escape."
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring crowd management and medical aid for those affected.
On the morning of Mauni Amavasya, a stampede-like situation arose at the Sangam during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, leaving around 30 women injured. In response, 13 Akharas decided to cancel their ‘Amrit Snan’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath twice within an hour to assess the developments. Meanwhile, security personnel deployed at the Mela are working to restore order, and in some areas, bathing rituals have resumed.
Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, Akanksha Rana, stated:
"The incident occurred when a barrier at Sangam Noze collapsed, leading to chaos. Some people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals set up within the Mela premises. Many of their relatives have also arrived at the hospitals."
A tearful Sarojini, waiting outside the hospital, described the terrifying moment:
"Our group of 60 people arrived in two buses. Nine of us were together when suddenly, the crowd surged, pushing people down. We got trapped, and the situation became uncontrollable. There was no way to escape as the pressure from all sides kept increasing."
President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, shared his observations:
"We are noticing that the crowd is now decreasing, and we are in discussions with the Mela administration. If the situation stabilizes, we would like to proceed with the ‘Snan’. We had postponed it earlier, but we are hopeful that conditions will return to normal, allowing us to take the holy dip."
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ensuring crowd control and medical assistance for those affected. Stay tuned for the latest updates.