At least 79 people tragically die in stampede at Kumbh Mela in India

At least 79 people tragically die in stampede at Kumbh Mela in India

Prayagraj, India — A stampede during last week's Kumbh Mela has claimed at least 79 lives, far exceeding the 30 reported by the government, according to a report. Questions have arisen over the true death toll, with accusations that the Uttar Pradesh government has been covering it up. Opposition leaders have demanded a full investigation and transparency.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk, has been criticized for his delayed response to the tragedy and for not releasing the casualty figures promptly. While the government has ordered an investigation, it has not revised the initial death toll.

An investigation by independent news outlet Newslaundry revealed that the actual toll is much higher. A government source provided a list with the names of 69 people who were reportedly brought dead to the Motilal Nehru Medical College from Kumbh Mela. Of these, 66 bodies were handed over to their families by February 3, while three remained unidentified. Instead of being placed in a morgue, the bodies were stored in a large freezer space, the same facility used after the 2013 Kumbh stampede.

According to Newslaundry, none of the bodies underwent postmortem, raising further questions about the government's handling of the tragedy. A government official stated, "The responsibility for postmortems lies with the police. The hospital only conducts them upon police request, but the administration wanted to send the bodies home as soon as possible."

Opposition leaders have accused the government of hiding the true death toll. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Adityanath government for concealing the actual figures. He said, "Earthmovers and tractors were used to clear the bodies."

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also claimed that "thousands" of people had died at the Kumbh Mela, causing an uproar in Parliament. He added, "This is my estimate, and if it is not correct, the government should provide the correct figures."

However, the ruling BJP has downplayed the incident. Senior MP Hema Malini described the stampede as a "small event." She said, "The Kumbh Mela was well-managed, and although the incident occurred, it was not that big."

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that the stampede was a conspiracy and promised strict action against those found responsible.