Three member probe panel headed by retired high court Judge to look into the causes of the Maha Kumbh stampede:
Tragedy at Maha Kumbh: CM Yogi Announces Inquiry Commission, Ex Gratia, and Relief Efforts
In a tragic turn of events during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a stampede claimed several lives and left many others injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as heart-wrenching and deeply unfortunate. In response to this tragedy, the CM has announced the formation of a three-member inquiry commission to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident.
The commission will be chaired by Justice (Retired) Harsh Kumar of the High Court, with former Director General of Police (DGP) VK Gupta and retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer BK Singh as its members. In addition to this, a separate inquiry into the matter will be conducted under the supervision of DGP Prashant Kumar to ensure a thorough investigation from all possible angles.
Ex Gratia Announced for Families of Victims
The Uttar Pradesh government has declared an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede. Expressing his deepest condolences, CM Yogi Adityanath sympathized with the bereaved families and assured them of all possible support during this difficult time. His voice was choked with emotion as he addressed the media, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Immediate Relief and Rescue Operations
The Chief Minister commended the swift action taken by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and paramilitary forces. According to him, the high level of preparedness ensured that relief and rescue operations could commence without delay. Over sixty injured pilgrims were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are being provided with the best possible medical care.
Despite the tragedy, the religious fervor of the Maha Kumbh remained unshaken. Nearly 7.5 crore devotees had gathered at the Sangam for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Pilgrims braved the cold weather, walking several kilometers to reach the ghats. The sheer magnitude of the event meant that many pilgrims were unaware of the tragedy due to the vastness of the Sangam area, which spans several kilometers.
Akharas Postpone Amrit Snan as Mark of Respect
In a gesture of solidarity and sympathy for the victims, the Akharas postponed their traditional Amrit Snan, which was scheduled for the early hours of the morning. Instead, the ritual was performed later in the afternoon, after 2:30 PM, allowing the situation to stabilize. By this time, normalcy had returned to the Sangam area, and bathing rituals resumed uninterrupted.
National Leaders Express Condolences
The tragedy has drawn reactions from leaders across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who remained in constant touch with CM Yogi Adityanath, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the stampede. The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured and assured all necessary support from the central government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep pain upon hearing about the incident. He extended his prayers and wished the grieving families strength to cope with their loss. Similarly, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi conveyed his sorrow, stating that his heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones. Gandhi also expressed hope that no such mishap would occur during the remaining auspicious bathing events of the Maha Kumbh.
Unstoppable Faith of Devotees
Despite the tragedy, the spirit of the pilgrims remained undeterred. Devotees continued to flock to various ghats for the holy dip, a testament to their unwavering faith. Those unable to access the Sangam due to the stampede turned to other ghats to complete their rituals. The unending stream of pilgrims underscored the significance of the Maha Kumbh as a spiritual and cultural phenomenon.
As investigations proceed and efforts to provide relief and assistance continue, the Maha Kumbh remains a symbol of resilience, devotion, and faith for millions. The government has assured the public that all measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.