Maha Kumbh stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya; UP sets up judicial commission
A stampede in the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj in the early hours of Mauni Amavasya, 29 January 2025, killed 30 people and injured 60, DIG Maha Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna announced.
Summary
A stampede broke out in the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in the pre-dawn hours of 29 January 2025, Mauni Amavasya, as pilgrims pressed for the Amrit Snan holy dip. DIG Maha Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna announced that 30 people died and 60 were injured, saying a huge crowd on Akhara Marg broke the barricades between 1 am and 2 am. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a three-member judicial commission headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Harsh Kumar to find the causes and suggest preventive steps, along with ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased.
Key facts
- Date
- 29 January 2025 (Mauni Amavasya), between 1 am and 2 am
- Place
- Sangam area, Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj
- Official toll
- 30 dead, 60 injured (DIG Maha Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna)
- Cause stated
- Crowd broke barricades on Akhara Marg
- Inquiry
- Three-member judicial commission headed by Justice (retd) Harsh Kumar
- Ex gratia
- ₹25 lakh per deceased
Practice MCQs 2 questions
On which occasion did the stampede in the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj occur on 29 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mauni Amavasya
NDTV and Indian Express: the pre-dawn stampede occurred as pilgrims gathered for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, 29 January 2025.
Who heads the judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the Maha Kumbh stampede of 29 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Justice Harsh Kumar
NDTV and Indian Express: the three-member commission is headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Harsh Kumar.