TNI Bureau: Tragedy struck Maha Kumbh in Allahabad today. At least 36 people, including 26 women died, as a stampede occurred at the railway station in Allahabad. Several others were injured in the incident. They are being treated at SRN and Railway Hospital. The death toll may rise further.
20 dead bodies have been identified so far, while 16 bodies are still unidentified. According to eye-witnesses, the stampede occurred after the railway police resorted to lathicharge to control the crowd.
The stampede occurred at Platform No. 6. Over four crore people took the holy dip today on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. There was a mad rush at the railway station, as the pilgrims were returning to their destinations after taking bath during Maha Kumbh.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed deep condolence over the incident and asked the Railways to ensure adequate help to all victims and the passengers. The Uttar Pradesh government has demanded more trains from the centre to deal with the situation. Around two lakh people are still waiting at the Railway Station.
Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal has confirmed that more trains are being sent to Allahabad to help the stranded passengers. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the dead and Rs one lakh each to seriously injured people. Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav has formed a committee to probe into the mishap.
