Stampede at Maha Kumbha: Amrit Snan resumes after situation comes under control

  • 30 devotees dead, 60 injured

  • PM Modi reviews the situation

  • Administration brings the situation under control

Prayagraj – A stampede broke out at the Triveni Sangam on 28th January around 1:30 a.m. during the Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mouni Amavasya, resulting in the deaths of 30 devotees and injuries to over 60 others. The injured have been admitted to Swarooprani Hospital in Prayagraj. While the stampede caused disruption in the area, bathing continued at other locations. The administration restored order within a few hours.

Following the incident, all 13 akhadas initially announced the cancellation of the Mouni Amavasya Amrit Snan at the administration’s request. However, a few hours later, after the situation was stabilised, they allowed the snan to proceed.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s appeal to devotees

After the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees not to insist on reaching Sangam Nose and instead perform their snan at nearby ghats. He also called upon devotees to cooperate fully with the Police and Maha Kumbha administration. Since Sangam Nose is believed to be the true Triveni Sangam, most devotees attempt to bathe there. Additionally, akhadas also arrive at the same spot, causing massive overcrowding.

The sequence of events leading to the stampede:

  1. A massive crowd gathered overnight: The auspicious time for Mouni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan was between 5:33 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. To reach the Sangam Nose on time, devotees had started gathering the previous night and even slept there.
  2. Overcrowding and bottlenecks: Separate routes were designated for devotees and akhadas. Around 1:30 a.m., a massive crowd built up along the devotees’ path. While devotees were eager to rush towards the bathing area, Police were directing them to follow the assigned route.
  3. Stampede triggered by barricade collapse: The intense pressure from the crowd led to the collapse of temporary barricades, trampling those who had been sleeping nearby. Panic, shouting, and chaos ensued, resulting in the stampede.

NSG commandos deployed

Following the incident, NSG commandos took charge at the Sangam banks. Certain sections of the area were closed to prevent further overcrowding. Restrictions were also imposed on the influx of devotees into Prayagraj, with alerts issued to neighbouring Districts.

Prime Minister’s intervention in restoring order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the phone, seeking detailed updates and discussing necessary measures. He was briefed about the incident four times. Senior officials monitored the Maha Kumbha area via helicopters. Over 70 ambulances reached the Sangam bank to transport the injured and deceased to hospitals. Entry to the Sangam bank was halted, and devotees from surrounding villages were prevented from entering Prayagraj to avoid further congestion.

Railways plans to operate 360 trains

The Railway Ministry has announced plans to operate 360 special trains to Prayagraj from various railway stations. At present, no trains have been cancelled, nor is there any such plan.

An estimated 9 crore devotees are expected in Prayagraj

The administration anticipates a total of 9 crore devotees visiting Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbha. By the night of 28th January, between 8 to 10 crore devotees had taken baths across 44 ghats. On 28th January alone, over 5 crore devotees bathed at the Triveni Sangam. To ensure security, over 60,000 personnel have been deployed.

14 injured admitted to the Central Hospital: Dr Manoj Kaushik, Chief Medical Superintendent

Among the injured, 14 have been admitted to the Central Hospital. Half of them were discharged after receiving primary treatment. Three suffered fractures and have been transferred to the Government Swarooprani Medical College. Some are still undergoing treatment at the Central Hospital, Dr Manoj Kaushik informed Sanatan Prabhat.

Other developments:

  • Crowd management by Police: The Police controlled the rush by organising queues and safely escorting devotees out. Announcements were made through loudspeakers, guiding devotees on alternative routes.
  • Police and administration’s prompt response: Mahant Chetan Giri of the Juna Akhada stated that the Police and administration acted swiftly to ensure the safety of devotees.

An attempt to defame Sanatan Dharma: Shri Ravindra Puri Maharaj, President, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad

“Devotees should not fall for rumours. There is an attempt to malign Sanatan Dharma. We are deeply saddened by this incident. Thousands of devotees are with us, and considering their well-being, the Saints of the Akhadas have decided not to perform the snan today. Instead, we will bathe at Triveni Sangam on Vasant Panchami. The incident occurred due to the rush to reach Sangam Nose. Devotees may instead bathe at any of the other sacred ghats along the Ganga.”