A BBC Hindi investigation has revealed troubling findings regarding the recent crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Though the Uttar Pradesh government initially reported 37 fatalities in this tragic incident that occurred on January 29, the investigation uncovered a larger number of deaths, with many families receiving unacknowledged compensation for losses.
On the morning of the disaster, crowd dynamics led to a severe crush as thousands of attendees sought a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Amid this chaos, families of the deceased received compensation that seems inconsistent with official records. For example, the BBC identified 26 additional instances of families receiving partial compensation of 500,000 rupees (approximately $5,758) for deaths not counted in the official death toll, alongside 18 cases where no compensation was provided at all.
In a notable incident, authorities delivered cash to families, such as that of Tara Devi, who tragically died in the crush. Her son, Dhananjay Gond, reported receiving 500,000 rupees, but he stated that the police instructed them to record the receipt of funds while signing documents implying health issues caused his mother’s death, despite her clear victim status in the crush.
Additionally, a judicial commission that was set up to investigate the tragedy saw its tenure extended, advocating for transparency amidst ongoing scrutiny. The government’s lack of a formal victim list has further complicated the process for affected families seeking justice and support.
While various narratives have emerged, the BBC has verified at least 82 fatalities with documentation and testimonies collected from grieving families. Clear patterns from these accounts indicate multiple crush locations, contrasting the government's claims of a single incident, raising questions about the management and safety protocols in place during such a massive event.
Families reported great distress in the aftermath of the disaster, citing a complete absence of immediate support from authorities. In particular, Kusum Devi recounted being left with her husband's body for hours without any help while others similarly described waiting with the deceased in the heat as officials failed to respond.
The investigation highlights a systemic problem between the government’s reporting and the lived experiences of families suffering grief, as they struggle against bureaucracy while grappling with their profound losses. As community awareness grows, there remains a clear call for accountability and reform to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
