An investigation by the BBC has found discrepancies in the reported death toll of the Kumbh Mela tragedy, revealing that more families received compensation than the official count of 37 deaths suggests. The findings highlight the painful experiences of families affected by the tragedy, as many faced bureaucratic obstacles in securing acknowledgment and compensation for their loved ones.
BBC Investigation Uncovers Underreported Deaths in India's Kumbh Mela Crush
BBC Investigation Uncovers Underreported Deaths in India's Kumbh Mela Crush
A recent BBC inquiry reveals that the official death toll from the Kumbh Mela crowd crush is significantly lower than the actual number, with numerous families receiving compensation without acknowledgment of their losses.
A BBC Hindi investigation has brought to light unsettling discrepancies in the reported death toll from the deadly crowd crush during the Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings. Official figures state that 37 individuals perished in the tragic event, but the BBC's findings indicate that at least 26 additional families received compensation, and 18 others experienced deaths that went unrecognized by the government.
The incident occurred on January 29 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where a massive influx of pilgrims led to a catastrophic crush. Teams of plain-clothed police officers were dispatched to distribute compensation—a total of 500,000 rupees ($5,758) to various families, often without official recognition of the fatalities. The families were frequently pressured to sign documents stating that their relatives had died of health issues, despite their insistence that the fatalities were a direct result of the crush.
One poignant account involves 62-year-old Tara Devi, who lost her life at the festival. Her son, Dhananjay Gond, recounted that police officers visited their home in Bihar to deliver the compensation and requested him to record a statement on video. While he indicated this was merely the first installment of a promised total of 2.5 million rupees, the remaining funds have yet to be received.
Despite the official narrative, many families reported numerous crush incidents, contradicting statements made by government officials. The BBC's investigation corroborated at least four separate crush locations within Prayagraj on the day of the incident, branding the government's official stance misleading.
Over 100 families were interviewed across India, revealing tragic stories and validated deaths that officials did not acknowledge. Among them, significant patterns emerged as some victims' families received compensation while others did not, depending on the circumstances surrounding the reporting of deaths. Some families provided substantial documentation of their losses, including post-mortem reports and death certificates.
In a similar context, Dharmbir Rajbhar, who lost both his wife and daughter-in-law in a separate crush, received only partial compensation. Despite the plight faced by many victims' families, some outright rejected compensation, unwilling to provide false statements to local authorities.
The Kumbh Mela, notoriously known for exceeding attendance numbers, saw record participation this year, drawing over 600 million individuals. Yet, amidst this celebration, a tragedy unfolded, leaving many families grappling with grief and frustration as calls for transparency and accountability escalate.
The BBC made multiple attempts to reach Uttar Pradesh officials for clarification concerning the investigation's findings, but responses were largely absent, raising questions regarding administrative accountability in a situation of such immense public interest.
As the investigation into the Kumbh Mela crush continues, the heartbreaking stories of those affected linger, illustrating a pressing need for recognition and compensation for all who suffered through one of India's most significant yet tragic events.
