Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh: Four Lives Lost from Karnataka

Synopsis
On January 29, four individuals from Karnataka, including a mother and daughter, died in a stampede at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which resulted in a total of 30 deaths. The Belagavi families are seeking assistance for the return of their loved ones' remains.
Key Takeaways
- Four confirmed dead from Karnataka in the stampede.
- Victims included a mother and daughter.
- Incident occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Families are seeking help for repatriation of remains.
- Karnataka authorities urge caution during events.
Bengaluru, Jan 29 (NationPress) Tragically, four individuals from Karnataka, including a mother and daughter, have been confirmed dead in a stampede that claimed the lives of 30 people during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
All four deceased were from Belagavi district in Karnataka.
The victims have been identified as Megha Deepak Hattavarth (24), her mother Jyothi Deepak Hattavarth (44), Arun Korpade (61), and Mahadev Hanmanth Bavanur (48).
Mohammad Roshan, the Belagavi District Commissioner, confirmed the tragic news, expressing that their sudden demise has caused profound sorrow for their families. He stated that the families are now seeking assistance from the district administration to facilitate the return of their loved ones' remains for final rites in their home towns.
He mentioned that Shruthi N.S., Additional Superintendent of Police, and Harsha Shetty, Special Deputy Commissioner, have been designated as nodal officers for the swift repatriation of the deceased from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The remains of the deceased, including three women, will be airlifted from Varanasi to Belagavi, he added.
According to sources, following the stampede, the victims were transported to a private hospital in Prayagraj, where they unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. They had traveled to Prayagraj as part of a 13-member group from Belagavi through a private travel agency to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.
In response to this incident, R. Ashoka, Karnataka's Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic stampede.
“My sincere condolences to the families mourning their losses. I urge the state government to collaborate with local authorities to ensure the deceased are transported back to Karnataka and to guarantee proper medical care for the injured,” he remarked.
He also advised Kannadigas to adhere to the guidance issued by local authorities, police, and event organizers.
“Avoid heeding rumors or unverified information. Stay close to your friends or family while traveling. If accompanied by young children or elderly individuals, ensure they receive extra attention and care,” Ashoka urged.
He stated that the Uttar Pradesh government and local authorities have implemented all necessary measures to allow every devotee to partake in the sacred bathing ritual.
“There is no need for rush or panic. Participate in the holy ceremony calmly and return home safely,” Ashoka concluded.