NEW DELHI: A stampede at the Sangam area during the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday morning resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries as millions of pilgrims rushed to take a holy dip for Mauni Amavasya, one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Eyewitnesses reported that the tragedy occurred due to a sudden surge of pilgrims, all eager to take the ritual dip at 3 am, marking the start of the auspicious time.

Following the stampede, the traditional Amrit snan for akharas was postponed, though it resumed later in the afternoon. Devotees continued their bathing rituals at the crowded Sangam and other ghats along the Ganges, which were less packed.

Several hours after the incident, which took place between 1-2 am, Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector General Vaibhav Krishna briefed the media in Mahakumbh Nagar. He explained that while barricades had been set up to manage crowds in the mela and akhara areas, they collapsed under the pressure of the surging crowd.

“As the barricades gave way, people fell onto those already waiting for the holy dip during the 'brahm muhurt' (an auspicious early morning period),” Krishna stated. “The pressure from the crowd caused the barricades to break, and people jumped over to the other side, crushing those waiting. More than 90 people were injured, and 30 lost their lives.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a three-member judicial commission, including Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG V K Gupta, and retired IAS V K Singh, to investigate the stampede. He also declared a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. “It is crucial to understand how such a tragedy unfolded,” an emotional CM Adityanath remarked.