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Why Prayagraj's actual death toll could exceed government figures?

A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj left many dead and injured. While the government confirmed 30 deaths, reports suggest the true toll could exceed 50, with mismanagement and overcrowding blamed for the tragedy.

By Ground Report Desk
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Why Prayagraj's actual death toll could exceed government figures?

A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj left many dead and injured. Photograph: (X/@carahulmalodia)

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A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday has left families grieving and raised concerns about whether the official death toll reflects the true scale of the tragedy.

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Stampede kills many, toll doubts rise

The incident occurred during Mauni Amavasya, the holiest day of the festival, when millions of Hindu devotees gathered to bathe at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. While the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed 30 deaths and around 60 injuries, multiple reports and eyewitness accounts suggest the actual number of casualties could be much higher.

The stampede unfolded between 1 AM and 2 AM when massive crowds surged toward the water, overwhelming barricades and trampling people. Survivors described sheer panic as devotees fell on one another, struggling to breathe. Jagwanti Devi, who lost her mother and sister-in-law, recalled, “There was chaos—pushing, pulling, climbing over each other. My mother collapsed, then my sister-in-law. People ran over them.”

Witnesses blamed police mismanagement for the tragedy, citing sudden route closures and crowd blockades that left thousands stranded. Others claimed removing barriers too soon led to an uncontrolled rush to the riverbank. “There was no space to move, people were suffocating,” said Saroja, a Karnataka devotee who lost four family members in the crush.

Official count low, witnesses report more

While officials reported 30 deaths, Reuters counted 39 bodies at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College Hospital, where more were arriving over 12 hours after the incident. Police sources privately admitted nearly 40 fatalities, and some hospital officials suggested the number could rise to over 50. Distraught families struggled to identify their loved ones, with many searching hospital corridors for missing relatives.

An official at Prayagraj’s SRN Hospital, speaking anonymously, revealed that some deaths were recorded as heart attacks or pre-existing conditions like diabetes. This raises concerns that some stampede victims may not have been officially counted, possibly to downplay the disaster’s scale.

Govt response and opposition criticism

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced a judicial inquiry and ₹25 lakh compensation for the deceased families. The government praised police for their "swift response," claiming it prevented further casualties. However, opposition leaders and victims' families strongly disagreed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the administration of prioritizing VIP movement over common pilgrims’ safety. “The mismanagement and focus on VIPs are to blame,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling for better crowd control. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded the Army take over the Maha Kumbh administration, arguing the state government failed its responsibility.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved pilgrim families. My learning from our Gangasagar Mela is that planning and care must be maximal in matters relating to pilgrims' lives in vast assemblies of people." BSP's Mayawati said, "The stampede in Maha Kumbh is extremely sad and worrying. The party prays for the bereaved souls and prays that nature gives the victims strength to bear this sorrow."

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal appealed to devotees to maintain patience and be careful. "Follow instructions of the administration and take care of each other's safety," he said.

This isn’t the first tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela. In 2013, a stampede on the same day killed 36 pilgrims at Prayagraj railway station, yet promises of improved safety measures have fallen short. Despite deploying AI-based crowd monitoring systems and extra security personnel, authorities failed to prevent Wednesday’s disaster.

This year's festival was expected to attract a record 100 million attendees, with over 57 million participating in the holy dip on Wednesday alone. Experts say the sheer size of the gathering and inadequate crowd control made a tragedy inevitable.

What’s next?

Adityanath has ordered an inquiry, but survivors and grieving families demand accountability. With bodies still being identified and families transporting victims home, the disaster’s true toll may take days to emerge.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, intended for spiritual renewal and salvation, has become a scene of loss and unanswered questions. Many are asking: How many more lives must be lost before history stops repeating itself?

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