Several killed in stampede at Mahakumbh

At least 15 people were feared killed and around 70 injured in a stampede when devotees gathered to take a pre-dawn holy dip to mark the most auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya related to a rare alignment of celestial bodies after 144 years at the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj on Wednesday, people familiar with the matter said. The administration was tight lipped about the deaths.

A record 100 million people were expected in Prayagraj for the dip and the authorities had increased security and medical personnel besides running special trains and buses. Tens of millions have attended Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest congregation, since it began on January 13

It is believed that taking a dip at the confluence of the holy Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers absolves



devotees of their sins and brings salvation from birth and death cycle. A stampede on the most auspicious day when Maha Kumbh was last held in 2013 killed at least 36 pilgrims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for “immediate support measures” as he spoke to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath thrice to review the developments on Wednesday. People aware of the matter said Modi was continuously monitoring the situation at Kumbh.

The “Amrit Snan” was suspended following the stampede. Video and photographs that went viral showed bodies and the injured being taken away on stretchers and people on the ground crying. Videos showed others at the site stepping over a carpet of discarded belongings as people tried to escape the stampede.