Diplomat Desk
Prayagraj (UP) :DD, A stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, late Tuesday night has left at least 8 people dead and over 50 injured.
The tragedy occurred at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, where millions of pilgrims have gathered for the holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
The stampede took place at around 1:30 am, as a large crowd of devotees was making their way to the Sangam for a ritual bath. According to reports, the stampede was triggered by a rumor, which caused panic among the crowd. As people began to flee, many were trampled underfoot.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are being treated for their injuries. The death toll is expected to rise, as many of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
In the wake of the tragedy, all 13 akharas (religious orders) have called off their scheduled ‘amrit snan’ (holy bath) on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which falls today. This decision was taken by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of Hindu monastic orders, in view of the huge crowds that have gathered at the Sangam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and enquired about the incident. They have also offered their condolences to the families of the deceased.DD
