Kumbh Mela LIVE | UP chief secy, DGP at the spot for post-stampede review

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik: 'Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in stampede'

'Stampede incident extremely sad'

"The stampede incident at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the families of the injured devotees and pray to God that all the injured devotees recover soon," President Droupadi Murmu posted in Hindi on X.

'No security lapse'

Four from Karnataka injured; condition stable

Four people from Belagavi in Karnatala were injured in the stampede. Reports say of the four, two were BJP workers.

The injured BJP women workers have been identified as Sarojini Nadavinhalli and Kanchan Koparde, residents of Vadgaon. Two girls, Megha and Jyoti, have also sustained injuries, according to sources. All four have been given first aid, and their condition is stable.

They had all travelled together to Prayagraj three days ago.

Two women from Belagavi injured in stampede

Some critically injured in Kumbh stampede, crowd pressure remains: Adityanath

 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held a high-level meeting at his residence on Wednesday after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh and said some people were "seriously injured" in the incident.

The situation is under control now, even though the crowd pressure remains, he told reporters here after the meeting.

Adityanath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and J P Nadda called him to take stock of the situation in Prayagraj.

The chief minister said around 9-10 crore people are in Prayagraj and appealed to devotees to take a dip in the Ganga at their nearest ghats and not try to reach the Sangam Nose to avoid overcrowding.

Multiple casualties were feared after the stampede at the Sangam as millions of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on 'Mauni Amavasya', the most significant ritual at the Maha Kumbh.

This year, a rare celestial alignment called 'Triveni Yog' is occurring after 144 years, amplifying the spiritual significance of the day. The 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya' is expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims.

Security personnel and rescue workers were seen carrying the injured on stretchers. People's belongings, including blankets and bags, lay strewn around.

After the chaos subsided, some searched frantically for their family members while others fanned and offered water to those who were trapped in the crowd.

"Between 1 am to 2 am, at the Akhara route where arrangements were made for the Amrit Snan of the Akharas, several devotees jumped over the barricades and some were critically injured. They were immediately rushed to hospital," Adityanath said.

"All the injured are undergoing treatment and we hope and pray for their quick recovery," he said.

"Since the start of the auspicious Mauni Amavasya period, the local administration had been busy trying to ensure safe Amrit Snan for the devotees who have converged here from all over," he said.

Adityanath said PM Modi has called him four times so far to enquire about the well-being of the devotees.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Governor Anandiben Patel also called, the CM added.

"Since morning, we have been busy ensuring that devotees face no inconvenience while taking the holy dip and that is why a high-level meeting was held here with chief secretary, DGP, principal secretary (home), ADG law and order, and other senior officials. The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd pressure is still there," Adityanath said.

He said he was in touch with all Akharas and all of them had agreed to take the holy dip only after the crowd pressure at the ghats eases.

"I have personally spoken to Akahara Parishad heads and other seers including Maha Mandaleshwars. The respected saints have politely agreed to let devotees take the dip (first). They would take the dip only after the crowd pressure eases," he said.

"About 5 crore devotees took the dip yesterday. Till 8.30 am (on Wednesday), over 3 crore devotees had taken the dip," he said, adding that the crowd pressure remains at several spots.

Adityanath appealed to people to take a dip in the Ganga at their nearest ghats and not try to reach the Sangam Nose to avoid overcrowding.

"There is huge crowd pressure in the Sangam Nose area and hence we seek the cooperation of all," he said.

"I appeal to devotees to take bath wherever they are as temporary bathing ghats have been set up. It is not important to head to the Sangam Nose for bathing.

Deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones: PM Modi

The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government.

प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025

Do not believe in rumours: UP CM

सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है... pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025

Do not believe in rumours: UP CM

सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है... pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025

Heavy security deployed at Triveni Sangam

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | #MahaKumbh2025 | Heavy security deployed at the Triveni Sangam as police pave the way for Akharas and saints for their Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. pic.twitter.com/wI0Tbeub06

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025