Police register case following Ansari’s comments on crowds, train chaos, and stampede fears during religious gathering
Team Clarion
VARANASI — A case has been registered against Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari at the Shadiabad police station following his controversial remarks about the ongoing Mahakumbh in Varanasi. Ansari’s comments, which touched on the massive crowds, train vandalism, and alleged stampedes, have sparked widespread criticism and legal action.
In a public statement, Ansari said, “It is believed that when people bathe on the banks of the Ganges, their sins are washed away, which opens their way to heaven. But the crowd that is being seen at the Mahakumbh at this time makes it seem that now no one will be left in hell! Everyone will go to heaven.” His remarks were seen as mocking the religious sentiments of millions of devotees attending the event.
Ansari also highlighted the chaos in trains carrying pilgrims, stating, “The situation has reached such a point that people are breaking train windows, and women inside are trembling with fear.” He claimed that the youths involved in the vandalism were between 15 and 20 years old. Ansari further alleged that the sheer scale of the crowds had led to stampedes, adding, “Those returning are mentioning scenes of death, and according to them, countless lives have been lost during this time.”
The case against Ansari was filed on the complaint of Dev Prakash Singh, former president of the District Cooperative Bank. Singh accused the MP of making inflammatory statements that could disturb public harmony. “Such remarks are unacceptable, especially during a sacred event like the Mahakumbh. They not only hurt religious sentiments but also spread unnecessary fear,” Singh said.
Local authorities have confirmed the registration of the case but declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Ansari’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some defending his right to speak on public issues and others condemning his tone and timing.
The Mahakumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has drawn millions of devotees to Varanasi this year. While the event is a celebration of faith, the massive crowds have also raised concerns about safety and infrastructure.
