By BK Singh
The Judicial Commission appointed to investigate the tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela on January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya’s second Amrit Snan arrived in Prayagraj on Monday. This commission was constituted following the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was profoundly moved by the unfortunate incident and sought a thorough investigation to identify any lapses in crowd management and safety measures.
The Chief Minister, known for his hands-on approach, had dedicated significant effort to ensuring a seamless and well-organized Maha Kumbh. Despite extensive planning, the sudden surge of devotees at the Sangam area resulted in a tragic stampede, prompting an immediate need for a high-level probe.
On Monday, the commission began its inquiry by recording the statements of approximately 20 police officers at the Circuit House. Each officer was individually questioned about their observations, roles, and the sequence of events leading up to the mishap. The commission, which had previously visited the stampede site twice, had also compiled a list of 30 policemen at the scene when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Following the statement collection, the commission revisited the stampede site on Tuesday, accompanied by key Kumbh Mela officials. The primary objective of this visit was to gain a better understanding of the circumstances that led to the situation spiraling out of control. The Kumbh Mela officials provided the commission with a detailed briefing on the site’s layout and movement plans, offering insights into how crowd flow was managed and what contingency measures were in place.
The probe team meticulously took notes on all the information provided by both the Kumbh Mela officials and the police officers on duty during the incident. Several critical questions remain at the heart of the investigation. These include identifying the exact moment when the crowd began to swell beyond manageable limits, the immediate actions taken by authorities, and the efficiency of crowd control measures. Additionally, the commission is examining whether officials had prior knowledge of the congestion at the Sangam area and, if so, what steps were taken to alleviate the pressure.
Another significant aspect of the inquiry revolves around the timeline of key actions. The panel is scrutinizing when the barricading was removed and its subsequent impact on crowd movement. It also seeks to establish the precise moment when administrative and police officials arrived at the scene and whether their response was timely and effective.
During the inquiry session on Monday, the commission sought comprehensive details regarding various aspects of the incident, such as the rate at which the crowd gathered, the number of security personnel and officials stationed at the location, the estimated number of devotees present at the time, and the emergency response strategies that were in place. The commission is particularly interested in understanding the designated exit routes for devotees, the deployment of medical assistance, and whether adequate security protocols were implemented for the second major bathing festival of the Kumbh Mela.
Having completed discussions with administrative and police officials, the commission now plans to extend its investigation by recording statements from ambulance drivers and medical personnel who were involved in the rescue and relief operations. These firsthand accounts will offer valuable insights into the efficiency and promptness of the emergency response during the crisis.
The tragic stampede occurred in the early hours of January 28 at the Sangam nose area, a sacred confluence where thousands of devotees had gathered for a holy dip. The swelling crowd eventually led to chaos and a loss of control, culminating in the stampede. In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath swiftly ordered the formation of this high-powered investigative panel to ascertain the exact causes of the incident and to determine if there were any lapses in the crowd management system.
Among the senior officials present at the Circuit House during the inquiry were Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna, District Magistrate (Mahakumbh Nagar) Vijay Kiran Anand, and District Magistrate (Prayagraj) Ravindra Kumar Mandar, along with other key personnel.
The three-member judicial commission is being led by retired Justice Harsh Kumar of the Allahabad High Court. He is joined by retired IAS officer D.K. Singh and retired IPS officer V.K. Gupta, both of whom bring extensive administrative and law enforcement experience to the probe. After conducting a thorough investigation, including site visits and recording statements, the team concluded its two-day stay at the Circuit House and subsequently left for Lucknow, where they are expected to continue their analysis and compile their findings.
The outcome of this investigation will play a crucial role in determining the factors that contributed to the disaster and in recommending measures to prevent such incidents in future large-scale religious gatherings. The state government is keen to implement any necessary reforms to ensure that devotees can participate in future Kumbh Melas safely and without fear of mishaps. As the inquiry progresses, further details and findings are anticipated to shed light on the exact causes of the tragedy and the steps needed to enhance crowd management protocols in high-density pilgrimage events.