Judicial panel inspects Kumbh stampede spot, gathers details

Prayagraj: A three-member judicial commission set up by the state govt to probe Tuesday's stampede on Mauni Amavasya, reached Sangam city on Friday and visited the spot where the incident took place.
The commission headed by Harsh Kumar, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, and comprising former director general of police (DGP) VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh is expected to submit its report within a month. It will also suggest measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The members held a meeting with officials at the circuit house and had a detailed discussion to understand the situation.
The team then inspected the stampede site near Sangam Nose and had a discussion with mela officials over the geographical and topographical aspects of the area.
The members will also be scanning CCTV footages and examining other factors responsible and related to the incident.
The team, accompanied by Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, DIG Vaibhav Krishna, and SSP Rajesh Dwivedi, moved around the Sangam Nose area amid heavy security comprising scores of personnel from the state police and Rapid Action Force, holding a rope cordon.
Sources said the team will be visiting the spot again, considering the impending third Amrit Snan of Basant Panchmi on Feb 3.
At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in a stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh on Tuesday night as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. According to police, the incident took place as the crowd jumped barricades, crushing those waiting on the other side.