The Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has intensified its investigation into the stampede that occurred on Mauni Amavasya during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. UP STF teams are diligently examining potential conspiracy angles, working to ascertain whether the stampede might have been orchestrated as part of a deliberate plot. As part of their thorough investigation, UP STF is scrutinizing the active mobile numbers around the Sangam Nose vicinity. DIG Vaibhav Krishna of the Kumbh Mela area stated, 'We are also exploring the conspiracy angle considering several inputs hinting towards it.'
According to sources, analysis of data from over 16,000 mobile numbers is ongoing. Some mobile numbers have been unexpectedly inactive since the incident. Using a facial recognition app, suspicious individuals are being identified through CCTV surveillance in the command and control room in the Kumbh Mela area. UP Police is on high alert in anticipation of the Basant Panchami bathing, with senior officers actively monitoring the Kumbh and Prayagraj areas overnight.
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On Basant Panchami, the third Amrit Snan of the Kumbh will commence at 5 AM on Monday. At 4 AM, Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani will first arrive at the Sangam Ghat for the holy bath, followed by twelve other Akharas. Notably, on the night of January 29 and 30, a stampede occurred in the Kumbh Mela, near 2 AM, resulting in confirmation from the Kumbh administration of 30 fatalities and 60 injuries, about 16 hours later.
Vehicle Entry Banned in Prayagraj Until February 4
According to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department, by 8 AM on February 2, over 4.19 million devotees had taken the sacred dip at Sangam. This brings the total to over 340 million pilgrims who have bathed at Sangam during Kumbh Mela. In anticipation of the Amrit Snan on February 3, the entry of vehicles from outside Prayagraj is prohibited. Pilgrims arriving from other districts must park their vehicles at designated stands outside the urban area. From these stands, they can travel via shuttle buses or on foot to the nearest ghats. The arrangement will be in effect from February 2 to 4, with separate parking stands for large and small vehicles.
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After the stampede on the night of January 29-30, the Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken stringent measures for better crowd management and pilgrim safety. As a component of these measures, vehicular movement is restricted one day before and after the main bathing festival, all VIP passes have been revoked, and all 40 pontoon bridges connecting the city to the Kumbh Mela have been opened. Previously, only vehicles with valid passes could travel to the various camps established within the Kumbh Mela area, allowing VIP pass holders access to tents of Akharas and Sadhus in different sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Visit Kumbh Mela on February 5
Officials overseeing the Kumbh Mela arrangements have clarified that there will be no restrictions on the movement of police and administrative vehicles, ambulances, and other essential service providers. An official statement noted, 'VIP and VVIP delegations planning to visit Prayagraj will not receive any special treatment or protocol. Furthermore, the government has made it clear that any VIP or VVIP movement should be informed at least a week in advance to prevent last-minute visits that could disrupt arrangements for pilgrims.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Kumbh Mela on February 5.
