PAC, Mela cops reunite over 54K from 15 countries

Prayagraj: Amidst the mammoth gathering of pilgrims at the world's biggest religious and spiritual congregation, the mela police, along with PAC, NDRF, SDRF, and fire department personnel, demonstrated excellent trustworthiness and commitment to duty during Maha Kumbh 2025.
Apart from reuniting 54,357 people from 15 countries and over 20 states with their families, Mela cops not only returned lost valuables, including cash worth lakhs, mobile phones, jewellery, and other precious items, but also ensured immediate medical assistance by rushing the sick to hospitals and providing first aid.
Cops also played a crucial role in assisting elderly devotees in taking a sacred dip at Sangam. From administering CPR to offering primary medical care, the security forces personnel went beyond their call of duty.
The efficiency of the Yogi-led state govt resonated worldwide, drawing praise from countries like Russia, US and Germany. A senior Mela cop told TOI that the police personnel risked their lives to assist devotees at Maha Kumbh. Their honesty and dedication gained recognition worldwide. Even international devotees praised CM Yogi Adityanath for his effective management of the grand event.
For instance, on Feb 17, Pushpendra Singh Shekhawat from Jaipur, Rajasthan, lost his wallet containing two iPhones, Rs 69,000 cash, a gold chain, two rings, and ATM cards at the mela ground. During routine checks, Arvind Kumar Singh of the 42nd Battalion PAC, Naini, Prayagraj, found the wallet at Arail Ghat. Using the contact details from the mobile inside, the officer reached out to the devotee and safely returned the wallet.
Similarly, timely medical aid saved the life of Rajkumari Yadav from Bhansoach, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), who suddenly fell ill at the Mela ground.