A recent investigation by BBC Hindi has brought to light disturbing discrepancies in the reported death toll from a catastrophic crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. While authorities have officially reported 37 deaths, the investigation uncovered evidence suggesting a far higher number, confirming at least 26 additional fatalities alongside 18 more deaths where no compensation was received.
On March 25, a delegation of plain-clothed police officers from Uttar Pradesh (UP) traveled to Bihar with cash bundles intended for families impacted by the tragedy. They met with the son of Tara Devi, a 62-year-old victim who perished on January 29 amid the chaos in Prayagraj. Officers presented him with 500,000 rupees (approximately $5,758) and requested a video statement confirming receipt of the funds. Dhananjay Gond, Tara's son, indicated that this payment was merely the first installment of the 2.5 million rupees promised for victims’ families, of which he has yet to receive the remaining amount.
Uttar Pradesh officials claimed to have disbursed compensation of 2.5 million rupees each to the families of 35 recognized victims; however, the BBC identified cases that revealed much deeper issues. The investigation found that 26 families, including Tara Devi's, received only partial payments of 500,000 rupees in cash. In multiple instances, relatives were compelled to sign documents attributing causes of death to health issues instead of acknowledging the crowd crush—contradicting their accounts of how loved ones perished.
Furthermore, the BBC documented evidence of at least four separate crush incidents on the day of the Kumbh Mela, despite reassurances from UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that only a single event had occurred at the designated Sangam nose area.
Finding more than 100 families across 11 states, the BBC verified 82 victims’ deaths through concrete evidence, including documentation like post-mortems and death certificates. Among these families, numerous individuals have shared harrowing accounts, with many left sitting for hours with their deceased loved ones before receiving aid or acknowledgment.
Unexpectedly, relatives of several victims have reported receiving 500,000 rupees, while others who suffered similar losses received nothing at all. Reports detail instances where families reported multiple casualties, yet only certain relatives received financial compensation, raising questions about the fairness of the government's assistance process. Some families, like the Pandays from Sultanpur, have even refused the offered compensation, unwilling to sign documents that contradicted their loved ones' tragic fates.
Kusum Devi, who lost her husband in the tragedy, expressed the pain of enduring hours with his body amidst a chaotic scene, stating, "People were stepping over his body."
The BBC also uncovered the plight of families still bereft of any form of official recognition for their losses. One such family, the Gonds from Deoria, faced substantial hurdles as they pursued acknowledgment of their father's death. Ultimately, they received a death certificate after four months but have yet to see any compensation from the government.
This investigation raises critical questions about the management of tragedy at large-scale events and the accountability of officials in ensuring accurate reporting and aid distribution. The Kumbh Mela, intended as a spiritual pilgrimage for millions, has turned into an event marred by tragedy, and the families seeking recognition and justice for their loved ones continue to suffer in silence.
