Odisha's Naveen Patnaik Mourns Maha Kumbh Stampede Tragedy

Synopsis

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik express sorrow over the stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, that resulted in loss of lives. They offer condolences and prayers for the injured, as the state and local authorities respond to the incident.

Key Takeaways

Mohan Charan Majhi expresses condolences.
Naveen Patnaik shares grief over stampede.
Stampede occurred during Mauni Amavasya.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath reports on the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers support.

Bhubaneswar, Jan 29 (NationPress) Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, have conveyed their profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives during a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, CM Majhi stated, "The reports of multiple devotees losing their lives in the stampede at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are heart-wrenching."

He further expressed, "May Lord Jagannath bless the souls of the departed with peace and provide strength to the grieving families to endure this profound loss. I also hope for a swift recovery for all the injured devotees," as per his post.

Former Chief Minister Patnaik also voiced his sorrow, saying, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatalities resulting from the stampede ahead of the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing #Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's #Prayagraj. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved. I wish a quick recovery for those injured."

The stampede took place in the early hours of Wednesday, coinciding with the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya.'

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported that the incident happened around 2 a.m. when devotees surged towards the Sangam, leading to a collapse of barricades due to the overwhelming crowd.

He noted, "Several devotees sustained serious injuries while attempting to navigate through barricades on Akhara Marg. The injured individuals have been transported to medical facilities for treatment. Since the auspicious moment of Mauni Amavasya commenced last night, a significant influx of devotees has been observed."

Officials indicated that a substantial number of pilgrims had gathered for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences regarding the stampede and offered sympathies to the families of the deceased.

In a post on X, PM Modi mentioned that local authorities were actively engaged in assisting victims in every possible manner and that he was in regular contact with the state government. "The incident at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is deeply saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones. I also wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is committed to providing assistance to the victims. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and remain in touch with the state government," he stated in his post (in Hindi).