Maha Kumbh: Couple Blames 'Disorderly' Pilgrims for Fatal Stampede, Shares Their Experience
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Synopsis
An elderly couple attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj blamed unruly pilgrims for a tragic stampede that resulted in 30 deaths and over 60 injuries. They shared their harrowing experience and the chaos that unfolded during the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Couple's Experience: Deenanath and Nayantara Singh's traumatic ordeal during the stampede.
- Stampede Cause: Unruly behavior of pilgrims led to the tragic event.
- Government Response: Compensation announced for victims' families.
- Judicial Investigation: A commission set up to probe the incident.
- Safety Concerns: Call for better crowd management at religious gatherings.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) An elderly couple who attended the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has pointed fingers at the 'disorderly' pilgrims for the devastating stampede that resulted in 30 fatalities and over 60 injuries on Mauni Amavasya.
Recounting their traumatic experience, Deenanath Singh and his wife Nayantara Singh, from Barej village in Bihar's Kaimur district, shared with IANS that they intended to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam along with their family.
As they moved towards pole number 40 in Jhunsi, a sudden stampede erupted, forcing everyone to flee for safety.
In the chaos, Deenanath mentioned that he and his grandson fell into a drain.
He expressed that the tragedy could have been prevented if devotees adhered to the rules and maintained their positions in line.
The crowd broke through barriers, pushing and shoving to reach the ghat, causing Nayantara to fall, with several people tumbling on top of her, he recounted.
Initially fearing the worst for his wife, Deenanath provided his Aadhaar card and mobile number at a booth set up for families of the missing, hoping she would turn up there.
Miraculously, after 15 hours, he received a call directing him to meet Nayantara.
Nayantara shared that she had lost all hope of survival.
In her recount, police officers at the Maha Kumbh sprinkled water on her face and offered her 'Gangajal'.
The incident transpired on Mauni Amavasya when millions of devotees flocked to the Mela area for a sacred dip.
The government stated that the stampede was incited by devotees pushing against barricades to reach the Sangam area.
In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the deceased's families.
A three-member judicial commission has been established to investigate the stampede's causes, consisting of Justice Harsh Kumar, former Director General V.K. Gupta, and retired IAS officer V.K. Singh.
