PM Modi Expresses Sorrow Over Maha Kumbh Stampede, Offers Condolences to Victims' Families

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi offers condolences to victims' families.
- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath reports on the situation.
- Local administration is aiding victims and managing the crowd.
- Devotees are urged to avoid Sangam Nose and use nearby ghats.
- Railways are providing special trains for devotees' return.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow regarding the stampede incident during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, extending his heartfelt condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones. In a post shared on social media platform X, PM Modi indicated that the local administration is actively involved in providing assistance to the victims and that he is in ongoing communication with the state government.
"The incident at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is deeply tragic. I extend my deepest sympathies to those devotees who have suffered losses. I also wish for the swift recovery of all those injured. The local administration is committed to aiding the victims in every possible manner. I have been in touch with Chief Minister Yogi ji and continue to coordinate with the state government," PM Modi stated in his post (in Hindi).
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported that several devotees sustained critical injuries in the stampede and are receiving treatment in hospitals. He assured that the situation in the Maha Kumbh is currently under control.
He urged the public to disregard any unfounded rumors. He noted that approximately 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj, leading to significant pressure from the influx of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. As of 8:30 a.m., around three crore individuals had taken a sacred dip.
CM Yogi made these remarks during a press briefing in Lucknow, coinciding with a high-level meeting of top officials at his residence. He expressed his sorrow over the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela and confirmed that all necessary assistance is being provided while maintaining an alert administration.
Detailing the stampede, CM Yogi mentioned that it occurred at 2 a.m. when devotees surged towards the Sangam Nose, causing the barricades to collapse under the immense crowd. He stated, "A few devotees have sustained serious injuries while attempting to cross the barricades on Akhara Marg. The injured have been transported to hospitals for medical care. Since the Mauni Amavasya mahurat commenced last night, a large number of devotees have been arriving."
CM Yogi noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assessed the situation four times thus far.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also consistently receiving updates on the situation, he added.
"The situation in Prayagraj is under control, but the crowd remains large. Saints from various Akhara have advised that devotees should take their holy dip first; once the crowds diminish, the Akharas will follow suit for their holy dip," the CM stated.
CM Yogi once more urged devotees to ignore rumors and visit alternate ghats. "There are large gatherings at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg, and Sangam Marg. I implore devotees not to heed any unfounded rumors. Ghats have been established throughout the Kumbh area, and devotees need not solely focus on the Sangam Nose. They can take their holy dip at the ghats nearest to them."
The CM confirmed that the administration is ensuring proper medical care for the injured. The Railways have arranged special trains from various stations in the Prayagraj region to assist devotees in returning to their respective destinations.
CM Yogi was convening a meeting with the state's top officials to discuss the situation following the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The CM has been diligently monitoring the situation at the Maha Kumbh. According to the Chief Minister's Office, officials including the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary-Home, CM Office representatives, and ADG Law and Order are present in the war room established for Maha Kumbh 2025. The CM has been receiving updates from officials and holding meetings since 4:00 a.m. with key personnel, offering necessary directives for action.
Earlier, the CM appealed to devotees attending the Maha Kumbh to adhere to guidelines, cooperate with the administration, and disregard rumors. CM Yogi requested devotees to bathe at designated Ganga ghats closest to their location instead of attempting to reach the Sangam Nose area. "Multiple ghats are accessible for bathing. Please avoid overcrowding and follow the administration's instructions. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining order and safety,” he expressed on social media platform X earlier today.