The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, turned tragic for three individuals from Assam. A well-known businessman from Hailakandi lost his life in a deadly stampede, while two women from Assam have gone missing during the ongoing event.
Businessman Niti Ranjan Pal Among the Victims
Niti Ranjan Pal, the 63-year-old owner of the popular sweet shop “Om Sweets” in Hailakandi, was among those who perished in the stampede at the Triveni Sangam ghat. The incident occurred between 1 and 2 AM on Wednesday when a large crowd attempted to climb over the barricades at Akhara Marg, leading to a chaotic stampede.
Pal sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds. His tragic death has left his family and the business community in Hailakandi in deep mourning.
Two Women Reported Missing
Meanwhile, two women from Assam have been reported missing at the religious gathering. Leela Devi, a resident of Borhapjan in Tinsukia district, disappeared while heading towards the sacred ‘Amrit Snan’ ritual. Her family has been searching for her, but her whereabouts remain unknown.
In another distressing case, Manju Devi Agarwal from Biswanath Chariali also went missing in Prayagraj. She had traveled to the Kumbh Mela with her family and was last seen sitting near the river bank while her relatives searched for her missing granddaughter. When they returned, she was nowhere to be found.
The incidents have raised concerns about safety measures at the Maha Kumbh Mela, which sees millions of devotees gathering for religious rituals. Authorities are continuing their search efforts for the missing individuals while investigations into the deadly stampede are underway.
Families of the affected individuals are urging authorities for swift action and better crowd management to prevent further tragedies during the event.
