Prayagraj, January 29: On the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a stampede occurred at the Mahakumbh Mela on Wednesday, January 29 morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are keeping a close watch on the situation. Both leaders have issued statements expressing their condolences over the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Minister of Fisheries Sanjay Nishad made a controversial statement about the incident. He said that small accidents are common in such big events and assured that CM Yogi Adityanath is handling the situation.
Minister Sanjay Nishad's Statement
Sanjay Nishad, who is also the President of the Nishad Party, attended an event in Hardoi after the incident. When reporters asked him about the stampede, he said, "The Mahakumbh is a huge event with millions of devotees, so small incidents can happen. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation."
He further said, "Avoid Rumors, Bathe Wherever Possible."
According to reports, Sanjay Nishad also advised pilgrims not to panic due to the crowd. He suggested, "Take a dip in the Triveni Sangam wherever there is space. Do not believe in rumors about the incident."
So far, reports say that by noon, more than 40 million people have taken the holy bath (Amrit Snan) at the Mahakumbh.
Sanjay Nishad Expresses Grief, Appeals for Peace
Despite his earlier statement, Sanjay Nishad also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said, "The stampede is tragic, and he feels very sad about it. He urged everyone to maintain peace at the Mahakumbh. Pilgrims should use available ghats for bathing to avoid overcrowding."
Details About The Incident
The Uttar Pradesh Government has not announced an official number of casualties in the incident, even after 12 hours of the stampede. However, there are reports that around 40 people have lost their lives in the stampede which was caused during the Amrit Snan on Wednesday morning during the Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela. The stampede occurred as a huge crowd of devotees rushed to the holy river to take a dip on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya.
