A stampede during the massive Hindu festival in northern India has left 30 people dead and 90 injured. The late release of casualty figures was seen as shielding the political fortunes of a local leader with national aspirations.
The pre-dawn stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a 45-day festival that drew millions of pilgrims to Prayagraj city in Uttar Pradesh. Ambulances quickly arrived on the scene, but officials waited nearly 15 hours before releasing an initial death toll.
Analysts say the delay may have been an attempt to cover up damage at an event significant to political leaders. Families of those affected searched for loved ones in vain due to a lack of information.
Retired army officer Shiv Shankar Singh narrowly escaped the stampede but was unable to find his wife, who fell down during the chaos. She was eventually found safe and sound at one of the festival’s lost and found centers.
The festival’s organizer, Yogi Adityanath, is considered a contender for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s succession. Analysts say he used the event to build his national profile as an administrator who can balance faith and technology.
The delay in releasing casualty figures has raised concerns about the government’s handling of the tragedy. Officials have ordered an investigation into the lapse, but details remain unclear.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/world/asia/kumbh-stampede-yogi-coverup.html