Maha Kumbh stampede: Families make frantic calls to enquire about their loved ones
Worried relatives are making frantic calls to their family members following reports of multiple casualties after a "stampede-like" situation broke out at the Sangam amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh as millions of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday.
While a few of them managed to speak to their family members and relatives, others continue to feel anxious.
“I have been trying to contact my parents since 7 am, but in vain as they are not responding to my calls”, said Mandi Gobindgarh’s Nishchint Kumar. “I somehow managed to contact the driver of their tempo traveller and he said they would be back by this afternoon. I pray for their safety”, he added.
Those who returned home safely after taking a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh said it was divine intervention that they could be back without a scratch given a sea of humanity at the Sangam. “We are lucky that we left the area few hours before the tragedy and reached home safely”, said Ludhiana Hosiery owner Manoj Sood.
His wife Poonam Sood echoed the same sentiments. “It is only for the eyes to see and believe. We are lucky enough to come back safely after taking a holy dip that is just once a lifetime opportunity. Hope others too return safely, given the huge rush to take the holy dip at the Sangam”, she said.
It was a narrow escape for Patiala-based Ravee Singh and his wife who were supposed to reach by Tuesday and take the holy dip on Wednesday morning. “I had to postpone the plan by a week due to fever. I hope to take a holy dip next week”, he said.
The incident occurred amidst the surge of millions of devotees gathering for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.