Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Highlights: Yogi govt bans VIP privilege on major bathing days to ensure hassle-free movement

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic stampede that occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, resulting in 30 fatalities and injuring 60 others on January 29.

In addition to the inquiry, Adityanath announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. The inquiry will be conducted by a three-member panel led by retired judge Harsh Kumar, which will also include former DGP VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh.

Here are the live updates:

UP transport minister Dayashankar Singh expressed grief over the stampede incident at Mahakumbh Mela and emphasised that the government is keeping a close eye on the developments. 

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: On Maha Kumbh stampede, UP Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh says, "It is very sad and the administration is keeping a close eye on it, including the CM himself, Everyone is concerned about them..." pic.twitter.com/t6ooTwXgDQ

— IANS (@ians_india) January 30, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has banned VIP privileges during Amrit Snan and other major days at Mahakumbh Mela to ensure a seamless experience for devotees. 

The Yogi Adityanath government has banned VIP privileges during Amrit Snan and other major bathing days at Mahakumbh 2025 to ensure a seamless experience for all pilgrims. VIP movement will be restricted a day before and after key festivals like Vasant Panchami, Magh Purnima, and… pic.twitter.com/5gp5OycRu9

— IANS (@ians_india) January 30, 2025

Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, opined that efforts should be made to make the Mahakumbh Mela a secure place for devotees. 

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP: On Maha Kumbh Stampede, President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri says, "...This time, it is not right to levy allegations on anyone, our efforts should be to make Maha Kumbh take place very well. Those who are making such… pic.twitter.com/9mtwS3OKo8

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025

Following the tragic stampede case, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak asserted that "whoever is found guilty will be subjected to strict punishment."

#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP | On Mahakumbh stampede, Dy CM Brajesh Pathak says, "The government has taken the incident of Prayagraj very seriously. A judicial inquiry commission has been set up. Whoever found guilty after the investigation report will be subjected to strict action."

On… pic.twitter.com/vEX8fp6rDI

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025