At least 30 killed in pre-dawn stampede at Maha Kumbh

MASSIVE CROWD SURGE DURING AMRIT SNAN LEADS TO BARRICADE COLLAPSE, CHAOS

- SHACHINDRA SHARMA

MAHA KUMBH NAGAR: At least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where a massive sacred gathering turned into a scene of chaos and devastation on Wednesday.

The tragedy unfolded as millions of devotees converged at the bathing ghats for the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya,' one of the most auspicious bathing days of the six-week-long religious festival. During a press conference, DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that due to a surge in the crowd, the barricades broke, resulting in the stampede.

"The crowd on this side crossed to the other side and started running over devotees waiting for Brahm Muhurta. The administration quickly enforced the rescue operation, created a green corridor for ambulances, and took 90 injured to the hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 of those devotees have died," Krishna told journalists.

According to officials, a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which led to a stampede.

Addressing the media, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the situation is under control, but the crowd pressure remains. He urged devotees to take a dip at the closest ghats instead of stressing over going to the Sangam. The Chief Minister also urged citizens not to believe in rumors.

The Uttar Pradesh government expected 10 crore pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh in just one day and had stepped up security in preparation for the 'Amrit Snan.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic surge in the crowd, with devotees toppling over each other in a desperate rush to reach the holy waters. Some blamed the mismanagement of crowd control, while others pointed to route closures that led to a bottleneck, triggering panic at the world's biggest religious gathering.