A recent investigation by BBC Hindi into the deadly crowd crush at India's Kumbh Mela festival has unearthed alarming discrepancies in the official death toll reported by the government. While authorities have acknowledged 37 deaths, the BBC discovered evidence suggesting the fatalities are significantly higher.
Families affected by the tragedy have been secretly compensated, with numerous cases documented where cash payments were made despite officials denying those deaths occurred. The inquiry signals potential mismanagement, as police teams in Uttar Pradesh traveled to several states, distributing compensation to grieving families under conditions of secrecy, often accompanied by requests to sign misleading documents citing natural causes for deaths.
For example, Tara Devi's family in Bihar received 500,000 rupees after she perished in the crush, but they have yet to receive the entire promised amount. Contrary to government claims that only one tragic incident occurred, the BBC has identified at least four separate crush sites, leading to confusion and further questions about the true extent of the disaster.
Interviews with over 100 families reveal heart-wrenching tales of loss, with many claiming their relatives died in the crush, yet they have not received any form of compensation. The investigation highlights families' frustrations with the lack of response from local authorities and the desperation some experienced while waiting for assistance.
The incident has raised eyebrows about the handling of safety measures and crowd control at one of the world's largest religious gatherings, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the aftermath of such tragedies.
