Moments before deadly stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh, devotees pleaded to open more routes
The stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, early Wednesday morning caused chaos. Millions had gathered for the massive Hindu festival, but tragedy struck before dawn. Ambulances rushed through the crowd, carrying the injured and dead to hospitals. Officials moved quickly to restore order, and within hours, religious rites resumed. Devotees continued bathing at the sacred confluence of three rivers while helicopters showered rose petals on seers leading the ceremonies.
Authorities had prepared for such emergencies, studying past stampedes at similar festivals. Yet, despite their readiness, officials withheld casualty figures for nearly 15 hours. Instead, they focused on sharing positive updates, highlighting the number of pilgrims who had safely completed their holy dip.
Analysts believe this delay was a deliberate effort to control the narrative. The Maha Kumbh Mela is significant not just as a religious event but also as a political stage. A major incident could harm the reputation of local leaders with national ambitions. Meanwhile, families of the victims struggled to get information, running between hospitals and morgues in search of their loved ones.
By Wednesday evening, officials finally released a statement confirming 30 deaths and 90 injuries. However, doubts remain about the accuracy of these numbers. Among those desperately searching was Shiv Shankar Singh, a retired army officer. He and his wife had bathed at the river’s confluence just after midnight. Moments later, they were caught in the deadly stampede.
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