Several from Bengal report dead or missing after Maha Kumbh stampede

A devastating stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has led to multiple fatalities and several individuals from Bengal going missing. Among the confirmed victims is 28-year-old Amiya Saha, a primary school teacher from Charbabupur village, Malda. He had traveled with his parents to take part in the religious event. According to reports, Saha fell ill due to the chaos caused by the stampede, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead. His father has raised concerns about the lack of a death certificate being issued, which has added to the family's distress in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy.

In another incident, 42-year-old Vinod Ruidas from Jamuria, West Burdwan, was fatally crushed in the stampede. Ruidas, who resided in Kenda Bauri Pada, was with his family at the event. Despite efforts from on-site medical personnel to assist those injured, Ruidas succumbed to his injuries in the aftermath of the stampede. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, though it highlights the severity of the chaos during the event. The family has not provided further public statements on the details surrounding his passing.

Anita Ghosh, an elderly woman from Malda, is also reported missing after the stampede. Ghosh had attended the Kumbh Mela with four other families from her community, with the group intending to take a dip at Sangam. However, the stampede disrupted their plans, and Anita became separated from the group. She has not been seen or heard from since, and her family has been unable to make contact. Authorities have been informed of her disappearance, and searches are ongoing, though there have been no updates on her whereabouts.

In another case, 56-year-old Bhola Pandey from Howrah is missing after the stampede. Pandey was part of a group of 60 people from Salkia, Howrah, who traveled to the Kumbh Mela for the religious event. During the stampede, Pandey became separated from his wife, who was later rescued and returned to the group with the assistance of the police. Despite attempts to find him, Pandey remains missing. His family has contacted local authorities and the Uttar Pradesh helpline to report his disappearance, but as of now, no progress has been made in locating him.

In a further case, 85-year-old Panchanan Mandal from Raichak village in East Medinipur, West Bengal, went missing during the stampede. Mandal had traveled to the Kumbh Mela with several other family members and villagers. After the stampede, Mandal was separated from the group, and despite efforts by his family to search the area and inquire with local authorities, there has been no trace of him. His family remains in a state of uncertainty, continuing their search for any information regarding his whereabouts.

Additionally, 55-year-old Resmi Mehar from Belakoba in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, was reported missing after the stampede. Mehar had traveled to the Kumbh Mela with her husband and neighbors. She was last seen attempting to take a holy dip in the Ganga when the stampede occurred. Despite extensive efforts to locate her, including searches at the event site and communication with local authorities, Mehar has not been found. Her family continues to seek assistance in locating her, and the situation has caused significant concern among local leaders.