Maha Kumbh Updates: 12 Hours After Stampede, Govt Silent on Casualties

“More than seven people have been killed in the stampede and around 10 others injured,” an official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

However, even 12 hours after the stampede, both the Union and the Uttar Pradesh governments remained silent on the number of casualties and didn’t release a figure.

 “Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured,” said Akanksha Rana, Officer on Special Duty for the Kumbh Mela.

‘Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd and we got trapped’

The Amrit Snan, that takes place on the occasion of the Mauni Amavasya, is considered to be the most significant ritual at the Kumbh Mela.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a video statement on X that that incident took place around 1-2am on Wednesday and some devotees were “seriously injured” while trying to jump barricades and go for Amrit Snan.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said that the administration’s focus on on VIP movement instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident.

“I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. Mismanagement, mismanagement and administration’s special focus on VIP movement instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident,” Gandhi posted on X.

Gandhi requested Congress workers and leaders to help the affected families.