30 killed, over 100 injured in stampede at Kumbh Mela in India
New Delhi: At least 30 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured in a stampede during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh state of India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the stampede occurred in the city of Allahabad where the Kumbh Mela is being held. The day of Muni Amavasya, considered to be the most sacred for Hindus, sees millions of devotees gathering to take a dip at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
The incident took place early this morning when a stampede broke out as the crowd tried to push forward, breaking through barriers. Devotees attempting to bathe in the river began pushing one another, leading to many being trampled and others fainting from suffocation.
Videos and photos from the scene showed chaos at the riverbank, with personal belongings such as clothes, shoes, blankets, and bags scattered around, while bodies of the victims lay amidst the debris. Local journalists have expressed concern that the number of fatalities may rise due to the high number of injured.
It is worth noting that in 1954, more than 400 people were killed in a similar incident at the Kumbh Mela, either trampled or drowned.
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Poon Khera and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, have criticized the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, over the incident, calling it a failure of his administration. They have also demanded that future arrangements for the festival be handed over to a more effective management team.
