Mahakumbh Stampede: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Judicial Inquiry

A tragic stampede during the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Sangam area resulted in 30 fatalities. The incident occurred as a massive crowd of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the mela's most sacred days. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry into the event.

Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones." He assured that the administration had been actively engaged since the previous night. Various agencies, including the Mela Authority and police, were deployed to manage the situation.

Judicial Inquiry Initiated

The Chief Minister revealed that a three-member judicial commission would investigate the incident. This commission is led by Justice Harsh Kumar, with former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh as members. The government aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

Adityanath mentioned that they have been monitoring developments from multiple control rooms throughout the day. These include the Chief Minister's control room, Chief Secretary's control room, and DGP's control room. Continuous communication with local authorities was maintained to address any arising issues promptly.

High-Level Consultations

The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing discussions with key figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, National President JP Nadda, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Governor Anandiben Patel. These consultations provided necessary guidance on managing the aftermath of this unfortunate event.

The stampede took place on Akhara Marg when pilgrims broke through barricades. Over 90 individuals sustained injuries, with 36 currently receiving treatment in Prayagraj hospitals. The gathering began around 7 PM on Mauni Amavasya eve, leading to an overwhelming crowd by dawn.