A tragic stampede took place early in the morning of Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, just before the important event of Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, that is expected to draw in nearly 100 million pilgrims from around the world. The authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Uttar Pradesh, are very closely monitoring the situation, while the akharas have temporarily called off the traditional ritual due to the mayhem.

Details of the Incident

The stampede started off around 2 AM as massive crowds gathered at the Sangam and along the 12-kilometer stretch of riverbanks designated for the Maha Kumbh. The witnesses have described terrifying scenes of panic and confusion. Sarojini, a pilgrim from Karnataka, described, "There were nine of us together when out of nowhere the crowd began to push. We got stuck; some of us fell, and everything went haywire. There was no way to escape; people were pushing from all sides."

The precise number of casualties, however, is yet to be confirmed hence fears of injuries and deaths remain prevalent. The akharas called off the 'Amrit Snan' immediately, but large gatherings of devotees continued taking holy dips at ghats spread over the Mela area.

Government Response

Prime Minister Modi expressed his grief over the incident which occurred at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with a message on X: "The tragedy at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely unfortunate. I deepest condolences to devotees who have lost their dear ones. I pray all those injured recover soon. The local administration is making every effort to assist the victims" and also confirmed that he had been in constant touch with CM Yogi Adityanath regarding the situation.

CM Adityanath also took to social media, requesting devotees to abide by the guidelines laid down by the administration and not to overcrowd at the Sangam. He assured that bathing is ongoing at all ghats and warned against panic, saying, "The situation in Prayagraj is under control."

Suspension and Resumption of Rituals

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad decided to suspend the Amrit Snan but resumed it once calm was restored in the area. Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of ABAP, expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the need to ensure safety for citizens.

Security Measures and Political Reactions

Considering the occurrence of this stampede, extensive polices, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed to help control the crowd. The "Super 20" team charged with managing the crowd is urging pilgrims to leave the ghats after taking their bath.

Leaders have mourned the incident and criticized the state governments. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed the matter "heartbreaking" and blamed "half-baked arrangements and mismanagement." Former Delhi CM, Kejriwal, and the leader of the SP, Akhilesh Yadav, have echoed the sentiment of enforcing changes in crowd management.

Community Response

In the wake of the tragedy, many religious leaders have canceled their planned rituals and requested the devotees to take their holy dips at nearby ghats instead. Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram announced the cancellation of all programs in sympathy for victims and families.

While the situation so far appears to be under control, the authorities are on full alert to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees attempting the Maha Kumbh.