Maha Kumbh stampede: Few devotees seriously injured, situation under control, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Speaking to the media around 10 am, Adityanath confirmed the incident occurred at Akhara Marg, where barricades had been placed for ‘Amrit Snan’ of Akharas for Mauni Amawasya. “There was continuous pressure due to the huge gathering moving towards Sangam nose to take the holy bath this morning. It was between 1 and 2 am when people tried jumping over the barricades following which some pilgrims sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to hospital and treatment was being provided,” said Adityanath.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have been taking stock since the morning, Adityanath said. He said the administration has been engaged in looking after the arrangements for pilgrims since 7 pm Tuesday after the ‘Mauni Amawasya muhurat’ began.

Adityanath said a meeting was held this morning to discuss the secure and safe management of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh. Attendees included the chief secretary, director general of police (DGP), principal secretary (home), and additional chief secretary to the chief minister. They were assessing the situation and monitoring the developments, he said.

Adityanath also said, “I have talked to the Akhara Parishad, Acharya Mahamandleshwars and seers and they told me that they would go for ‘Amrit Snan’ to Sangam only after pilgrims have taken bath and the pressure of crowd is relieved.”

The UP chief minister also appealed to the pilgrims and seers not to pay attention to rumours and stay calm.

The ‘Amrit Snan’ during Mauni Amavasya is regarded as the most important ritual at the Maha Kumbh and was expected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims. This year, the significance of the date is heightened by a rare celestial alignment known as ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs after 144 years.

Anticipating a large influx of people, the Kumbh mela authorities issued an advisory on Tuesday urging devotees to follow crowd-management guidelines for their safety and convenience.