A BBC Hindi investigation uncovered that the Hindu festival Kumbh Mela carried a hidden death toll, with officials providing compensation to families of victims that surpasses the reported figures. The official count of 37 deaths overlooks many more, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency in the management of the event.
"Hidden Toll: BBC Investigation Exposes Underreported Deaths at Kumbh Mela Festival Crush"
"Hidden Toll: BBC Investigation Exposes Underreported Deaths at Kumbh Mela Festival Crush"
The investigation reveals discrepancies in the death toll reported by officials following a catastrophic crowd crush that claimed lives during the Kumbh Mela festival in India.
A recent investigation by BBC Hindi has unearthed troubling evidence regarding the true number of deaths at the Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, which took place on January 29 in India. The official death toll currently stands at 37, yet the investigation reveals that a total of 44 additional fatalities have reportedly been compensated, raising concerns about the government's transparency in handling the disaster.
On March 25, a covert operation by police from Uttar Pradesh (UP) state was documented, as they traveled to Gopalganj city in Bihar. There, they presented a grieving family with compensation for the death of Tara Devi, who succumbed during the crowd crush. Despite the government asserting that it compensated 35 families at the rate of 2.5 million rupees each, the BBC investigation identified a disturbing pattern where families were coerced into signing documents that inaccurately portrayed the cause of death.
In addition to the confirmed casualties, the BBC's thorough investigation validated 82 deaths associated with the crush, relying on eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and local news reports. Families reported various locations of fatalities, indicating multiple crushing incidents contrary to the state's official narrative.
Moreover, the BBC found widespread discrepancies in the handling of compensation claims. While some families received the government-mandated sum, others were handed only 500,000 rupees in cash on-site and compelled to attribute the deaths to health-related issues rather than the crowd surge. In stark contrast, 18 other families received no compensation at all, despite clear evidence of their loved ones’ deaths in the chaos.
The fallout from this calamity raises serious concerns, as families have struggled to collect what they are owed while confronting bureaucratic obstacles. Reports from those on-site detail harrowing experiences of waiting for aid amidst the chaos, only to find themselves ignored in the aftermath.
As the investigation continues, it has highlighted not just a failure of communication by the government but a profound need for accountability in how such vast events are managed. As India prepares for a future Kumbh Mela, the repercussions of this event underscore the importance of ensuring safety and appropriate assistance for millions who attend these religious gatherings.
