Silchar: A businessman from Assam was among the 30 people who tragically lost their lives in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, according to police reports.
The deceased, identified as 63-year-old Nitiranjan Pal, hailed from Hailakandi district in Assam’s Barak Valley.
The news was confirmed by Hailakandi Superintendent of Police Leena Doley, who said that Pal’s body would be airlifted to Silchar either on Wednesday or Thursday.
“We have received confirmation from the Uttar Pradesh Police about his death, and we have been in contact with his family,” Doley stated.
Pal had traveled to Prayagraj with his family last week to participate in the ‘Amrit Snan’ ritual on Mauni Amavasya, a significant occasion during the Kumbh Mela.
The tragic stampede occurred around 2:30 am on Wednesday.
A family member of Pal said, “We screamed for help, but there was no police presence at the stampede site.”
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After searching for several hours, the family found Pal in critical condition. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, police said.
The stampede occurred in the early hours at the Sangam area, as millions of pilgrims rushed to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most sacred days of the Kumbh Mela.
The incident resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 60 injuries.
Police confirmed that Pal’s body will be returned to Silchar following the completion of necessary procedures by local authorities.