Judicial inquiry initiated into Maha Kumbh stampede that claimed 30 lives

Judicial Inquiry Launched into Maha Kumbh Stampede That Claimed 30 Lives

In the wake of a tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela that left 30 dead and dozens injured, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and hold those responsible accountable. The stampede, which occurred on Sunday during a sacred bathing ritual, has sent shockwaves through the spiritual gathering, raising serious questions about crowd management and safety protocols.  

The tragedy unfolded near the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, where millions of devotees had gathered for the holy dip. Witnesses reported that the stampede began when a section of the crowd surged forward, causing panic and chaos. Many pilgrims, including women and elderly devotees, were trampled in the rush.  

“It was complete chaos. People were pushing and shoving, and before we knew it, there were bodies on the ground,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a survivor of the stampede. “I lost my aunt in the crowd. She was just trying to reach the water for the ritual.”  

The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed a retired high court judge to lead the inquiry, which will examine the circumstances leading to the stampede, assess the adequacy of safety measures, and identify lapses in crowd control. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future,” said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a statement.  

Authorities have also announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. However, for many, the financial aid offers little solace. “No amount of money can bring back my father,” said Sunita Devi, whose 65-year-old father was among the victims. “We just want answers. How could this happen at such a sacred event?”  

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. While the event is known for its spiritual significance, it has also been marred by incidents of mismanagement in the past. This latest tragedy has reignited calls for better planning and infrastructure to ensure the safety of pilgrims.  

“The government must take responsibility. This is not the first time such an incident has happened, and it cannot be the last,” said social activist Anil Kumar. “We need a comprehensive plan to handle crowds of this magnitude, especially during peak rituals.”  

As the judicial inquiry begins, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies. For now, the Maha Kumbh Mela, a celebration of faith and devotion, is overshadowed by grief and unanswered questions.