Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh: Two Victims from Bengal Confirmed
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Synopsis
Two women from West Bengal have been confirmed as victims of the tragic stampede at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. The state government is assessing the situation and sending a team to investigate the number of casualties and injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Two women from West Bengal confirmed as victims.
- The stampede occurred during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh.
- Family members reported the incidents leading to the deaths.
- The state government is sending a team to investigate further.
- Chief Minister highlighted the need for better planning.
Kolkata, Jan 30 (NationPress) Two women from West Bengal have been confirmed as casualties in the tragic stampede that occurred at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, as reported by an official from the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Thursday.
The victims were both senior citizens. One of them is Basanti Poddar (65), who resided in the Ashwini Nagar area of Kolkata. She attended the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with her sister, son, and daughter.
According to information relayed by her family to the state secretariat, she collapsed due to the overwhelming crowd pressure, sustaining severe injuries in the stampede which ultimately led to her passing.
The second victim identified from West Bengal is Urmila Bhuniyan (78), a resident of Salboni in the West Midnapore district. She was at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with her daughter and son-in-law.
The remains of both women are being transported back to the state for their final cremation.
In the meantime, the state government has decided to dispatch a team to Prayagraj to assess the actual number of victims from West Bengal. The team will also check for any residents from West Bengal who may have been injured in the stampede.
On Wednesday, while expressing condolences for the tragedy, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee subtly suggested that the incident pointed towards insufficient “planning and care” regarding the event.
She referenced the arrangements made by her administration at Sagar Islands in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal every year during the Gangasagar Mela.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which has claimed at least 15 innocent lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families of the pilgrims. From our experience with the Gangasagar Mela, it is evident that planning and care must be paramount in managing large gatherings of pilgrims. Prayers for the departed souls," the Chief Minister stated.
