Mahakumbh stampede claimed at least 82 lives: BBC report

At least 82 people lost their lives in four separate stampede incidents during the Mahakumbh gathering in Uttar Pradesh on January 29, a figure much higher than the officially acknowledged 37 deaths, according to a BBC investigation.

The report highlights serious discrepancies in the government’s response and compensation distribution. While 26 victim families were reportedly given ₹5 lakh in cash by the Uttar Pradesh government, these individuals were not included in the official list of stampede victims.

In contrast, those listed as official stampede victims received ₹25 lakh in compensation either through cheque or direct bank transfer.

The BBC reported that at least 19 families had not received any compensation. Disturbingly, some families who were given cash claimed they were pressured to sign documents stating that their loved ones had died due to sudden health issues.

So far, the government has released the list of only 37 victims, prompting widespread public outcry and suspicion.

Following the release of the report, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav raised several critical questions:

Why was compensation given in cash in the Mahakumbh death cases?

Where did the cash come from?

For those who did not receive the cash, where did that money go?

Under which rule was cash compensation authorised?

Who ordered the distribution of cash?

Is there any written order documenting this decision?

Were there any irregularities in the cash distribution?

Who exerted pressure to alter the stated cause of death?

Yadav stated that, “This report is not the end but the beginning of a search for the larger truth behind the Mahakumbh deaths and the money trail associated with them,” he said.

Further he added that “When the truth finally emerges, the layers of lies and manipulation will be stripped away, revealing the reality hidden beneath every mask and veil. No amount of media management can stop the truth from coming out.”