A BBC Hindi investigation has shed light on the true scale of the casualties from a deadly crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival and the largest religious gathering in the world. While the official death toll stands at 37, the investigation has uncovered evidence of at least 44 additional fatalities. This includes 26 families who received partial compensation and 18 who received nothing at all.
On March 25, a covert team of police officers from Uttar Pradesh (UP) traveled to Bihar, delivering cash to families affected by the disaster, including one family that received 500,000 rupees (approximately $5,758). These payments were often accompanied by pressure to record statements downplaying the circumstances of their loved ones' deaths. For example, one victim’s son was told to state that health issues caused their family member's demise, despite the family being adamant that the crowd crush was the cause.
The UP government has publicly recognized compensation payments for only 35 victims, while the BBC verified a total of 82 deaths through interviews, eyewitness accounts, and documentation from affected families. Eyewitnesses reported four different locations where fatalities occurred during the event, contradicting government claims of a single incident.
In exploring the aftermath of the tragedy, families recounted waiting for hours with the bodies of their loved ones before being assisted. Many have shared proof, including death certificates and photos, yet continue to struggle for recognition and compensation from officials, leading to widespread frustration and despair among the victims' families.
In response, the Kumbh Mela's alleged measures for crowd control and safety, such as the deployment of advanced technology and security personnel, proved ineffective in preventing this tragedy. As families fight for acknowledgment of their losses, the investigation highlights the need for accountability from government authorities.
