Kolkata family brings back body of mother trampled during stampede at Maha Kumbh

A stampede at Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh during Mauni Amavasya led to the deaths of 30 people, including 65-year-old Basanti Poddar from Kolkata. She was a resident of Ashwininagar in Ward 95 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Poddar had traveled to Prayagraj with her son, daughter, and sister for the holy Shahi Snan. The incident occurred between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM at Sangam Ghat, where lakhs of devotees had gathered for the sacred ritual.

According to her son Surajit Poddar, the family left for the ghat around midnight. During the rush, Basanti Devi reportedly fell and was unable to get up in the chaos. The Uttar Pradesh administration provided a document confirming the handover of her body, and the family is completing all required procedures. Local councilor Tapan Dasgupta met the family on Wednesday evening and confirmed that the body was in a deteriorated condition. Efforts were underway to bring it back to Kolkata by Thursday morning. The post-mortem had not been conducted at the time of reporting.

Authorities confirmed that 25 out of the 30 deceased had been identified. The exact cause of the stampede has not been officially stated. No official announcement has been made regarding changes to safety measures. Millions of pilgrims continue to arrive in Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh, with peak bathing days drawing large crowds.

Rescue operations were conducted at the site, and injured individuals received medical assistance. Officials are working with the families of the deceased for identification and formalities. The process of transporting bodies to their respective hometowns is ongoing. The administration has urged pilgrims to follow security guidelines to prevent further incidents.