Kumbh Mela stampede: BBC Hindi investigation reveals 82 deaths, contrasting with government's claim
New Delhi: A recent in-depth investigation by BBC Hindi has revealed a significantly higher death toll in the stampedes that occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 29th, 2025, compared to the figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government. While the government stated that 37 people died in four stampede incidents on the day of Mauni Amavasya, the BBC's investigation has confirmed at least 82 deaths.
According to the BBC Hindi report published on June 10th, 2025, their reporters reached out to over 100 families across 11 states and more than 50 districts. These families claimed that their loved ones died in the Kumbh stampedes. The BBC stated that they have concrete evidence of at least 82 deaths, and this number only includes cases where families could provide substantial proof.
The Uttar Pradesh government, as mentioned in the report, had announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Adityanath stated in the assembly on February 19th that 66 devotees were affected near Sangam Nose between 1:10 AM and 1:30 AM, with 30 deaths confirmed. He also mentioned another 7 deaths in other locations, bringing the official toll to 37.
However, the BBC's investigation uncovered that while 36 families received ₹25 lakh in compensation through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or cheques, an additional 26 families were given ₹5 lakh each in cash by the Uttar Pradesh government. These 26 families were allegedly not included in the official death count. The BBC claims to possess videos and photos showing police teams handing over bundles of ₹500 notes to these families.
Several families reported being pressured to sign documents stating that the deaths occurred due to sudden illness, not stampedes. The source of the ₹1.30 crore distributed in cash remains unclear, but the families confirmed the involvement of the Uttar Pradesh Police in all these cases. Furthermore, the BBC's investigation identified another 19 families who claimed their relatives died in the stampedes but did not receive any financial assistance from the government. These families presented evidence such as post-mortem reports, hospital morgue slips, and death certificates to support their claims. Some even showed photos and videos taken at the stampede sites on January 29th, showing the bodies of their relatives.
The BBC categorized the 82 confirmed deaths into three groups: those whose families received ₹25 lakh compensation, those who received ₹5 lakh in cash, and those who received no financial assistance.
The report detailed several harrowing stories. For instance, Nankan from Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh died in the stampede at Sangam Nose. His brother, Masru, recounted the chaotic scene where people became frantic after an announcement of "Amrit Baras Raha Hai" (nectar is showering) and a massive crowd surged forward, leading to Nankan being trampled. His family received ₹25 lakh compensation.
Similarly, Kanchan from Belagavi, Karnataka, lost her husband, Arun Narayan Koparde, in the Sangam Nose stampede. She described the horrific scene where people were stepping over others. The bodies of Arun and three other victims from Karnataka were eventually sent back home with a compensation of ₹25 lakh each.
The BBC also found that one of the deceased, KN Vasudevacharya, the younger brother of former BJP General Secretary KN Govindacharya, was initially identified as having no heir. However, the BBC's investigation revealed his identity, and despite this, no compensation was given in his case. The report also highlighted that the stampedes were not limited to Sangam Nose.
The BBC found evidence of a significant stampede near the Mukti Marg Chauraha at Kalpavriksh Dwar around 8 AM, where five more people died. These included Panne Lal Sahni and Nagina Devi from Gorakhpur, Meena Pandey from Sultanpur, Krishna Devi from Jind (Haryana), and Sonam Kumari from Aurangabad (Bihar). Only three of these families received ₹5 lakh in cash, while the families of Meena Pandey and Krishna Devi received no compensation.
Eyewitness accounts, like that of Archana Singh, who was with Meena Pandey, painted a grim picture of bodies lying at the stampede site for hours without any immediate help from authorities. Kusum Devi, the wife of Panne Lal Sahni, also described the chaotic scene and the lack of assistance, stating that they sat with the bodies of her husband and Nagina Devi in the sun until 4 PM.
The BBC Hindi investigation raises serious questions about the accuracy of the official death toll and the transparency of the compensation process following the Kumbh Mela stampedes. Despite the heavy security arrangements claimed by the government, including CCTV cameras, thousands of personnel, and ambulances, the report suggests a significant underreporting of fatalities and inconsistencies in the distribution of aid to the victims' families.
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Intend to allow feeding of pigeons for 2 hours in morning at Dadar Kabutarkhana: BMC to HC
Mumbai, Aug 13 (PTI): The city civic body on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court it intends to allow controlled feeding of pigeons for two hours each morning at the Dadar Kabutarkhana subject to conditions.
A bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, however, stated that before granting any such permission, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has to first issue a public notice inviting objections and then take a decision on allowing controlled feeding of the birds at the popular site in Dadar.
Since the BMC's decision to close kabutarkhanas (pigeon feeding spots) in the city and prohibit feeding of pigeons was in larger interest of public health, the sanctity of the same has to be maintained, the court noted, while hearing a bunch of petitions.
Last week, tarpaulin sheets were placed at the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a popular pigeon feeding site, by the BMC to prevent people from offering grains to the birds, a move which had led to protest during which the covers were forcibly removed by agitators.
Pursuant to this, a few individuals submitted an application to the BMC seeking interim arrangements for controlled feeding of the pigeons.
On Wednesday, BMC counsel Ram Apte told the court the civic body intends to permit controlled feeding of the birds from 6 am to 8 am subject to certain conditions.
The bench then questioned if the civic body had first invited objections to the application (seeking nod for controlled pigeon feeding) before taking its decision.
"You (BMC) cannot just allow feeding now once you have already taken a closure decision keeping public health in mind. You will have to take a well considered decision," the HC observed.
Once an application is received, you need to issue a notice and invite objections from people and then take a decision. Once you have taken a decision keeping people's health in mind then you need to maintain that sanctity, the bench affirmed.
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday also submitted a list of 11 names to be part of a committee that would carry out a scientific study on the issue of pigeon feeding at public places and its impact on human health.
The court said the government shall notify the committee by August 20.
Advocate General Birendra Saraf, appearing for the state government, said the committee would comprise officials from state public health and town planning departments and medical experts.
The court was hearing a bunch of petitions filed by people who regularly feed pigeons at kabutarkhanas. The petitioners have challenged the civic body's decision to ban such feedings and close down kabutarkhanas in the metropolis over potential health hazards from the exercise.
The high court had last month refused to grant any interim relief to the petitioners, but had asked the civic authorities not to demolish any heritage kabutarkhanas. The court had also said the BMC could take action as per law against those feeding pigeons at public places.
The Supreme Court had earlier this week refused to intervene in the HC order.
Senior counsel Anil Sakhare, appearing for the petitioners who have sought permission to offer grains to pigeons at the Dadar Kabutarkhana, said once the BMC takes a decision permitting controlled feeding, then they would move the HC seeking modification of the earlier order refusing interim relief.
