30 killed, 60 injured in Mahakumbh Mela stampede; Akharas call off 'Amrit Snan'

PRAYAGRAJ: Almost 30 people were killed in a stampede during the Mauni Amavasya ceremony at the Mahakumbh Mela on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh DIG Vaibhav Krishna told the media that 30 people died and more than 60 people were injured in the incident. Almost 25 of the victims have been identified. An unprecedented rush of devotees to take 'Amrit Snan' during the Mauni Amavasya ceremony invited the tragedy.

It is reported that the barricade collapsed at the Triveni Sangam where tens of thousands of people had gathered, which led to the accident. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that between 8 crore and 10 crore, pilgrims took part in Amrit Snan today.

The incident took place around 1.30 am today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi enquired with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the details of the incident. Immediately after the accident, ambulances were sent and the injured were shifted to the hospital.

Akhila Bharatiya Akhada Parishad President Mahand Ravindra Puri announced that the 'Amirt Snan' associated with the Amavasya ceremony had been abandoned in the wake of the incident. Devotees are also instructed to return after bathing in the Ganges.