A stampede-like situation erupted at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya.’ The chaos injured at least 30 women, who are receiving treatment at the central hospital in the Mela area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thrice to monitor and take stock of the situation. He called for immediate support measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief & Union Health Minister JP Nadda also spoke with the CM, assuring full assistance from the Centre. Nadda pledged additional volunteers and health services to manage the crisis.
Extending condolences to the kin of the deceased, PM Modi wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Millions of pilgrims turned up for the holy dip, causing overcrowding near the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The stampede-like situation unfolded when barricades broke, triggering panic among devotees. Several women fainted and fell, worsening the chaos.
Authorities rushed the injured to hospitals within the Mela fairgrounds. Seriously injured individuals were shifted to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments.
Jay Prakash Swami, a devotee, recalled, “She was trapped under the crowd and couldn’t get up. I was stuck too but managed to escape and helped my family.” Vidhya Sahu from Karnataka shared, “People behind us pushed forward, trapping us near a pole.”
Authorities Implement Emergency Measures
The administration activated the Crowd Diversion Plan, halting devotees at the city outskirts. CM Yogi urged pilgrims to bathe at nearby ghats instead of heading to Triveni Sangam.
The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya holds immense spiritual significance, particularly this year due to the rare ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years. This rare celestial event has drawn unprecedented crowds.
Authorities have strengthened security and urged devotees to stay cautious. The situation remains under close monitoring.
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