UP minister's remark after 30 killed in Maha Kumbh stampede: 'Such incidents occur in large events'

UP Minister’s Controversial Remark After 30 Killed in Maha Kumbh Stampede: “Such Incidents Occur in Large Events”

A tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has left at least 30 dead and dozens injured, sparking grief and outrage across the nation. However, a controversial statement by a senior Uttar Pradesh minister in the aftermath of the incident has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of being insensitive to the victims and their families.  

The stampede occurred early Monday morning near the Sangam area, where millions of devotees had gathered for a holy dip during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as the crowd surged forward, leading to a deadly crush. Among the victims were women, children, and elderly pilgrims, many of whom were unable to escape the overwhelming rush.  

In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Religious Affairs, Rajesh Tiwari, stated, “Such incidents are unfortunate but inevitable in large gatherings. When crores of people gather in one place, managing the crowd becomes a challenge, and accidents can happen.”  

His remarks were met with widespread condemnation, with opposition leaders and social activists accusing the government of negligence and failing to ensure proper crowd management. “This is not the time for excuses. The government had months to prepare for the Kumbh Mela. The loss of lives is a direct result of their failure to implement adequate safety measures,” said Priyanka Sharma, a local activist.  

Families of the victims expressed their anguish, demanding accountability from the authorities. “My mother went to the Kumbh Mela to seek blessings, not to meet her end. The government must answer for this,” said Ramesh Kumar, whose mother was among those killed.  

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against those responsible for lapses in crowd management.  

Meanwhile, the tragedy has reignited debates about the safety protocols at large-scale religious events in India. Despite advancements in technology and infrastructure, stampedes at religious gatherings remain a recurring issue, raising questions about the effectiveness of preventive measures.  

As the nation mourns the lives lost in the stampede, the focus now shifts to ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. For the families of the victims, however, the pain of losing their loved ones remains unbearable, compounded by the feeling that their deaths could have been prevented.