Muslims open mosques to help Maha Kumbh stampede victims
Provide shelter, food, blankets to 25,000 pilgrims
Prayagraj: As pilgrims started gathering for the Mouni Amavasya Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh on the night of 28 January, heavy barricading near the Sangam Nose caused congestion. The influx of people continued, eventually leading to a half-kilometre-long blockage.
Amid this, rumours spread that Naga Sadhus were arriving for their holy dip, triggering panic among the crowd. The barricades were broken, and people rushed forward, trampling those who fell.
The stampede claimed 35 to 40 lives and left 60 others injured. The aftermath was horrifying, some searched desperately for their loved ones, while others clung to the hands of deceased relatives, fearing their bodies might be lost in the chaos. Hospital was overwhelmed with bloodied bodies and injured victims.
With arrangements collapsing and authorities halting entry into the area, thousands of pilgrims were stranded wherever they had reached. On 29 January, Muslims in over 10 areas of Prayagraj extended help, opening mosques, shrines, dargahs, imambaras, and their homes to accommodate 25,000 to 26,000 pilgrims. They provided food, warm bedding, and medical assistance to those in need.
Dainik Bhaskar reports on communal harmony amidst tragedy
According to Dainik Bhaskar, the stampede left thousands stranded as highways were jammed, halting buses and forcing many to spend the night on the streets. The following night, on 29 January, residents of Khuldabad, Nakhhas Kohna, Roshan Bagh, Himmatganj, Rani Mandi, and Shahganj welcomed pilgrims into their homes.
Mosques like Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Mosque, Bada Tazia Imambara, Himmatganj Dargah, and Chowk Mosque turned into temporary shelters. Community members distributed tea, snacks, and meals. Localities organised mass food distribution (bhandaras), serving halwa-puri and other essentials to the stranded devotees.
"They were our guests, we took care of them"
Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Mohammad Irshad of Bahadurganj (Daira) said, "After the stampede, we saw thousands struggling in the freezing night. We immediately opened mosques and dargahs, welcoming as many people as possible into our homes. We ensured they had food and a place to stay. They were our guests in Prayagraj, and we did our best to look after them."
Masood Ahmed, a teacher from Chowk area, emphasised the spirit of humanity, stating, "Hindus were performing their religious rituals, and Muslims were fulfilling their duty of humanitarian service. It was our responsibility to ensure no one suffered due to lack of food or shelter. We helped elderly pilgrims reach the station safely. We only wanted those who came here to leave with a message of humanity."
"The Kumbh Mela itself came to Muslim neighbourhoods"
According to Afsar Mahmood of Khuldabad, "Despite earlier announcements that Muslims would not be allowed at the Kumbh, fate brought the event to our neighbourhoods. It was only natural for us to help."
Mohinuddin from Chowk shared a similar sentiment, saying, "We just didn’t want anyone to spend the night under the open sky. So, we opened our doors."
“Food and warmth were arranged overnight"
Mohammad Azam from Civil Lines recounted how residents quickly arranged blankets and quilts for those suffering in the cold.
"We did whatever we could to ensure people didn’t struggle through the night. Food was arranged immediately."
This display of communal harmony and humanitarianism during a time of distress is being widely appreciated. Dainik Bhaskar’s coverage highlights how the people of Prayagraj set an example of unity, proving that humanity transcends all divisions.
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#महाकुंभ2025 में कुंभ के दौरान अव्यवस्था और भारी भीड़ के कारण श्रद्धालुओं को मस्जिद में शरण लेनी पड़ी। वहाँ इमाम साहब और स्थानीय लोगों ने गंगा-जमुनी तहज़ीब और भाईचारे की अनूठी मिसाल पेश करते हुए भोजन और ठहरने की व्यवस्था कराई।
— Subham Agrawal (@iSubhamAgrawal) January 30, 2025
इमाम साहब के इस सेवा भाव को दिल से नमन#MahaKumbh pic.twitter.com/XquiCWZGbK
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Gujarat HC orders man to deposit Rs 1 lakh for attending virtual proceedings from toilet
Ahmedabad, July 14 (PTI): The Gujarat High Court on Monday directed a man, facing contempt of court for attending a virtual court hearing while relieving himself on a toilet seat, to deposit Rs 1 lakh with the court's registry after observing that he was ready to tender an unconditional apology.
The incident occurred on June 20 when Justice Nirzar S Desai was hearing a case. A video of the man soon went viral, prompting the high court to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings.
On Monday, the division bench of Justices AS Supehia and RT Vachhani directed the man, identified as Samad Abdul Rehman Shah, to deposit Rs 1 lakh in the court registry by July 22, the next date of the hearing.
"The contemnor has admitted to his conduct during the live-streaming proceedings and submitted that he was ready to tender an unconditional apology. Thus, at this stage, we direct the contemnor to deposit the amount of Rs 1 lakh before the registry of this court by the next date of hearing," the court ordered.
According to the report submitted to the court, Shah attended the hearing on June 20 for a total of 74 minutes, during which he was seen sitting on a toilet and relieving himself.
Shah's lawyer told the court that his client would tender an unconditional apology for his behaviour.
When questioned, the lawyer confirmed he had advised Shah to present himself appropriately for the hearing.
The now-infamous video showed Shah using a toilet during the proceedings, sparking outrage and leading the court to order the video’s immediate removal and ban, citing damage to the judiciary’s image.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gujarat High Court has permitted lawyers and litigants to join hearings virtually. Proceedings are live-streamed via the court's YouTube channel.
After finishing his business, Shah was seen picking up his phone and leaving. Justice Desai appeared unaware of his surroundings at the time.
Wearing wireless earphones, he can be seen logging in again later in the livestream, sitting in a room and waiting for his turn.
After nearly 10 minutes, he identified himself as Abdul Samad Shah, a resident of Kim village in Surat and the complainant in an assault case.
His lawyers told the court that Shah had lodged a complaint against two individuals but that a compromise had been reached between both parties.
While hearing the petition filed by the accused seeking to quash the FIR, Justice Desai asked Shah if he consented to the plea. Upon hearing Shah’s no-objection, the judge approved the petition.
