New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep grief over the tragic stampede incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, extending condolences to the devotees who lost their loved ones.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government.”
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided an update, stating that several devotees had been critically injured and were receiving medical treatment in hospitals. He assured the public that the situation at the Maha Kumbh was now under control.
The CM urged people not to pay attention to rumours, emphasizing that over 8 to 10 crore devotees were in Prayagraj, and there was significant pressure due to the large number of people moving towards the Sangam Nose. As of 8:30 a.m., around three crore people had already taken the holy dip.
Regarding the stampede, CM Yogi explained that the incident occurred around 2 a.m. when devotees rushed to the Sangam Nose, causing the barricades to break under the massive crowd. Some devotees suffered serious injuries while trying to cross the barricades. The injured have been promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
PM Modi has reportedly checked on the situation four times, and both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel have been continuously monitoring the developments.
CM Yogi reiterated that while the situation was under control, the crowd remained immense. He urged the saints of various Akharas to allow devotees to take the holy dip at the ghats nearest to them to avoid further congestion at the Sangam Nose.
The state administration has ensured proper medical treatment for those injured, and the Indian Railways has arranged special trains to transport devotees back to their destinations.
