Maha Kumbh Stampede: Palamu Woman Among Victims in Maha Kumbh Stampede, Son Was on Duty in Prayagraj

Ranchi, January29, 2025: A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during the early hours of Wednesday claimed the lives of over 20 devotees, leaving more than 50 injured. Among the deceased was Gayatri Devi (60), a resident of Tolra village in Palamu district, Jharkhand. She had traveled to Prayagraj with her husband, Amresh Pandey and other relatives to participate in the holy event.

Stampede at Maha Kumbh Leaves Devotees in Shock

According to eyewitness accounts, the stampede occurred around 1:30 AM near the Triveni Sangam when thousands of devotees gathered for the sacred bath. Due to the Amrit Snan, pontoon bridges were closed, leading to excessive crowd buildup. Reports suggest that some pilgrims got trapped near the barricades, causing panic and a sudden rush. The lack of separate entry and exit points further worsened the situation, making it difficult for people to escape.

Son on Duty in Prayagraj, Unaware of Mother’s Fate

Tragically, Gayatri Devi’s son, a CRPF personnel, was stationed on duty in Prayagraj at the time of the incident. Sources indicate that he was unaware of his mother’s presence at the event until he received the heartbreaking news.

Family members revealed that Gayatri Devi had left for Prayagraj on Monday along with her husband and relatives. After taking a holy dip on Tuesday, they decided to rest on the sandy banks of the Triveni Sangam. Unfortunately, the stampede ensued and Gayatri Devi was caught in the chaos, leading to her untimely demise.

Heavy Crowd, Closed Bridges and Panic Led to Tragedy

Authorities have attributed the mishap to overcrowding and the closure of pontoon bridges. The heavy influx of devotees combined with the lack of adequate crowd management measures resulted in a catastrophic situation. The panic escalated as people struggled to find an escape route, leading to many being trampled.

Officials are currently investigating the incident and security measures are being reassessed to prevent further casualties. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Government and Religious Authorities Respond

Following the incident, local authorities have assured strict measures to regulate crowd movement in upcoming events. The administration has urged devotees to follow designated routes and adhere to safety guidelines. Religious leaders and social organizations have also extended support to the victims’ families.

The Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the recent tragedy has raised concerns over crowd management and the need for better safety protocols.

Ensuring Safety in Mass Gatherings

This incident underscores the critical importance of efficient crowd control measures at large religious events. Experts suggest implementing real-time monitoring, dedicated entry and exit routes and increased deployment of security personnel to avoid such mishaps in the future.

As the Maha Kumbh continues, authorities are working tirelessly to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of all pilgrims attending this revered event.