A BBC Hindi investigation has unveiled inconsistencies in the official death toll at the Kumbh Mela, revealing that more fatalities occurred during the tragic crowd crush than the 37 acknowledged by the Indian authorities. Although the government officially reported 37 deaths due to the incident at the world's largest religious gathering, the BBC discovered that families of at least 26 additional victims received compensation payments, alongside evidence of 18 more fatalities for which no compensation was offered.
Hidden Deaths Uncovered: Investigation at India’s Kumbh Mela Festival
Hidden Deaths Uncovered: Investigation at India’s Kumbh Mela Festival
A shocking revelation emerges as family claims of deaths during the Kumbh Mela crowd crush contradict government reports.
On March 25, a group of officers from Uttar Pradesh (UP) discreetly traveled to Bihar, distributing cash to victims’ families. One family received 500,000 rupees ($5,758) in compensation for the loss of their loved one, yet many others contend that the official narrative has overlooked the scale of the tragedy. Affected families were often persuaded to sign documents attributing the deaths to pre-existing health conditions, although they maintain their relatives died in the crush.
The investigation revealed that several incidents occurred across Prayagraj on January 29, contradicting claims of a single crush event. The BBC has spoken to over 100 families, verifying 82 deaths linked to the chaos. Many families possess post-mortem reports, death certificates, and visual evidence to substantiate their claims. Disturbing patterns emerged, demonstrating inconsistencies in the locations reported by official documents regarding compensation.
Families continue to await recognition from the government, with some refusing compensation due to the demand for disingenuous documents. Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of abandonment, as victims lay on the ground while help failed to arrive. Despite an extensive security operation involving AI-enabled surveillance and thousands of personnel, it became evident that numerous lives were lost due to inaction during this tragic episode.
The investigation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of one of the world's largest religious events. As families mourn their loved ones and await the government's acknowledgment of their losses, the call for justice grows louder against the backdrop of overwhelming grief and frustration.
The Kumbh Mela, attended by over 600 million people this year, highlights not only the chaos surrounding such massive gatherings but also poses critical questions surrounding the safety measures implemented to protect attendees. As the nation reflects on the tragedy, it remains imperative for authorities to confront the realities of the incident and ensure that it is never repeated.
The investigation revealed that several incidents occurred across Prayagraj on January 29, contradicting claims of a single crush event. The BBC has spoken to over 100 families, verifying 82 deaths linked to the chaos. Many families possess post-mortem reports, death certificates, and visual evidence to substantiate their claims. Disturbing patterns emerged, demonstrating inconsistencies in the locations reported by official documents regarding compensation.
Families continue to await recognition from the government, with some refusing compensation due to the demand for disingenuous documents. Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of abandonment, as victims lay on the ground while help failed to arrive. Despite an extensive security operation involving AI-enabled surveillance and thousands of personnel, it became evident that numerous lives were lost due to inaction during this tragic episode.
The investigation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of one of the world's largest religious events. As families mourn their loved ones and await the government's acknowledgment of their losses, the call for justice grows louder against the backdrop of overwhelming grief and frustration.
The Kumbh Mela, attended by over 600 million people this year, highlights not only the chaos surrounding such massive gatherings but also poses critical questions surrounding the safety measures implemented to protect attendees. As the nation reflects on the tragedy, it remains imperative for authorities to confront the realities of the incident and ensure that it is never repeated.
