Patna: A stampede at the Sangam coast in Prayagraj during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya bath at the ongoing Mahakumbh has left the nation in mourning. According to initial reports, at least 17 people have died, and many others have been injured, though the administration has yet to confirm the casualties officially.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden surge in the crowd around 1 am, leading to chaos and a stampede. Emergency services transported the injured to hospitals, and authorities have since brought the situation under control. In response to the tragedy, the Akhara Parishad has postponed the Amrit Snan, a key religious event.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Response
Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav expressed sorrow over the incident, posting on social media:
“The very sad news of stampede and injury and death of devotees on the day of Mauni Amavasya bath in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is heart-breaking. May God give place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the devotees injured in the accident. May God keep everyone safe.”
Unlike other opposition leaders, Tejashwi refrained from assigning blame for the tragedy.
The incident has raised concerns over crowd management at the Mahakumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, where millions of devotees take part in ritual baths. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to the stampede.
