Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday expressed condolences over the stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where at least 30 people lost their lives and 60 sustained injuries. Officials confirmed that 25 bodies had been identified, while efforts were ongoing to identify the remaining victims.
Speaking to the media, Adityanath said that the state government has been in continuous contact with the administration since the incident occurred. He announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and confirmed that security forces, including the Mela Authority, police, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies, had been deployed at the site.
A judicial commission will investigate the incident and submit its report to the state government within a set timeframe. The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) will visit Prayagraj to assess the situation.
Describing the sequence of events, Adityanath said that a large number of devotees had gathered in Prayagraj since the previous evening to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. The stampede occurred on Akhara Marg when the crowd broke the barricades, resulting in casualties and injuries. He confirmed that 36 injured individuals were receiving treatment in Prayagraj.
Following the incident, a green corridor was created to facilitate the immediate transfer of injured persons to the hospital. Adityanath acknowledged that the incident took place during the main ‘snan’ of Maha Kumbh, leading to congested routes in the city. The administration had been working to ease the situation since the previous night.
A three-member judicial commission will oversee the investigation, chaired by Justice Harsh Kumar, with former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh as members. Adityanath noted that meetings were held throughout the day, with continuous communication between state officials and the administration. He also stated that guidance had been received from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, BJP National President JP Nadda, Railway Minister, and other officials.
(ANI)
