PM Modi dials CM Adityanath after stampede-like situation at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath thrice since morning amid fears of casualties following a stampede like situation in Prayagraj on the occasion of holy bath of Mauni Amavasya.

Mauni Amavasya is the most important ritual of the Maha Kumbh and crowds had surged close to the Sangam ghat in Prayagraj today morning.

As the numbers swell, barricades broke and many people fell, causing a stampede-like situation near the Sangam.

The injured have been shifted to various hospitals in and around the Maha Kumbh area.

The Akharas announced cancellation of their holy dip among chaos and urged devotees not to rush towards the Sangam ghat and take a holy dip where they are.

Nearly five crore people descended on Prayagraj yesterday with numbers expected to soar to ten crore today.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also appealed to pilgrims to take a holy dip at the Ganga ghat closest to them and not make a rush for the Sangam.

"The PM spoke to CM Adityanath about the situation at the Kumbh Mela, reviewed the developments and called for immediate support measures. PM Modi is continuously monitoring the situation and is constant contact with the state government. He has spoken to the UP CM three times till now and is giving directions for the normalisation of situation and relief," official sources said.