BBC Uncovers Higher Death Toll from Kumbh Mela Crush Despite Official Denials

Sat Oct 18 2025 00:47:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Investigation reveals discrepancies in reported deaths at India's Kumbh Mela festival, implicating governmental cover-ups in a deadly crowd crush.

A BBC Hindi investigation into the Kumbh Mela crowd crush disclosed that the official death count of 37 greatly understates the tragedy, as 26 additional families received partial compensation and 18 others went unacknowledged. Corroboration through eyewitness accounts and documentation shows the extent of the disaster, prompting scrutiny over the Uttar Pradesh government's response.

A recent investigation by BBC Hindi has brought to light significant discrepancies regarding the death toll from the horrific crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival in India. Official figures cite 37 deaths, but the investigation claims that more individuals perished, as families of 26 additional victims received partial compensation, while 18 other fatalities remain unrecognized by officials.

On March 25, undercover officers from Uttar Pradesh (UP) arrived in Bihar, distributing cash to grieving families, including that of 62-year-old Tara Devi, who died during the crush on January 29. Tara's son, Dhananjay Gond, received 500,000 rupees (around $5,758) from the authorities, who reportedly indicated this sum was the starting portion of a promised 2.5 million rupees in compensation for victims' families. However, Dhananjay noted that the remaining funds have yet to be distributed.

While the UP government acknowledges providing compensation to 35 victim families, the BBC identified an additional case for a family that received the full amount through a cheque, and uncovered 26 other cases where the police handed out cash payments at family homes. In numerous instances, relatives were asked to sign documents attributing their losses to health issues, despite insisting their loved ones died in the crush—an action that raised concerns over the government's compensation policies, particularly since natural deaths are typically excluded from Kumbh Mela compensation.

The investigation identified four distinct crush incidents in Prayagraj on January 29, countering the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s claim of only a solitary incident. Over 100 families claimed relatives died in the tragedy, with 82 deaths verified through evidence such as post-mortem reports and eyewitness accounts.

The BBC's personal accounts reveal that many families waited hours with their loved ones’ bodies at the scene, struggling for assistance from a response they claim was nonexistent, despite the presence of extensive security measures. Families also reported inconsistencies in the death certificates and delays in receiving financial support, adding to their grief.

In agreeing to contact Uttar Pradesh officials, the BBC faced delays and unresponsiveness, leaving many questions about the government's handling of this calamity unanswered. As families continue to seek acknowledgment and compensation for their losses, the investigation underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the management of public safety during such significant events.