TL;DR: The recent Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed a devastating stampede, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. Survivors from Bihar recount their harrowing experiences, while the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) accuses the Uttar Pradesh government of concealing the true death toll.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated every 12 years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is renowned as the world's largest religious gathering. This year, the event turned tragic when a stampede on January 29 led to significant loss of life and injuries. Official reports state that at least 30 people died, but various sources suggest the actual number could be much higher.
Survivors' Heart-Wrenching Tales 😢
Many pilgrims from Bihar journeyed to the Kumbh with hopes of spiritual cleansing. Unfortunately, for some, this pilgrimage became a nightmare. Rinku Devi, a 35-year-old from Jeevrakhan Tola village in Bihar, recounted the chaos: "There was complete chaos. No policeman for security. No one to show the way." She and her mother-in-law, Siya Devi, were caught in the stampede. While Rinku survived, Siya Devi tragically lost her life.
Another survivor, 72-year-old Janaki Devi, described her ordeal: "I had thought that I was getting old and may die anytime so I should take a holy dip... Now I have decided not to go to Kumbh again." She is currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Allegations of Concealed Fatalities 🕵️♂️
The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has raised serious concerns about the Uttar Pradesh government's handling of the tragedy. In their preliminary investigation, PUCL found that the government allegedly used various methods to hide the actual number of fatalities. They observed manipulated records and restricted access to information.
A Call for Accountability and Transparency 📢
The PUCL has demanded that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister, make public their assessment of the causes of the stampede. They emphasize the need for transparency and accountability from the government to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
MediaFx Opinion 🛠️
The tragic events at the Maha Kumbh Mela highlight the systemic issues stemming from the prioritization of VIPs and the neglect of the common devotee. This incident underscores the need for a society that values every individual equally, ensuring that the working class and marginalized communities are not sidelined. The government's alleged attempts to conceal the true extent of the tragedy further emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability. It's imperative to advocate for a system that upholds the principles of equality and justice for all.
