The administration accused of concealing the true scale of tragedy; accountability sought from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – The aftermath of the devastating stampede at the Kumbh Mela on January 29 has taken a controversial turn, with controversial priest based in Ghaziabad and prominent Hindutva leader Yeti Narsinghanand alleging that the death toll has been grossly underreported. Narsinghanand claims that over 1,000 people lost their lives in the tragedy, a figure that starkly contrasts with the official numbers released by the Uttar Pradesh government.
In a scathing critique of the state administration, Narsinghanand accused Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government of deliberately concealing the true scale of the disaster. “This incident is not an accident; it is the killing of innocents through the current government system,” he declared. “The true figures are being hidden, and no action has been taken against those responsible for the lawlessness that led to this tragedy.”
The stampede, which occurred during one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has raised serious questions about crowd management and safety measures at the Kumbh Mela. Narsinghanand, who heads the Shiv Shakti Dham in Ghaziabad and is a key figure in the Juna Akhara, has been vocal in his criticism of the government’s response.
“The chief minister is only trusting his officers and remains unaware of the real facts,” Narsinghanand claimed. “This tragedy is being covered up, and the families of those who died deserve justice.”
In a letter addressed to the chief minister, Narsinghanand expressed his frustration with the administration’s handling of the incident. “The corruption and inhuman behaviour of the officers have forced me to write this letter,” he wrote. “The trust you place in these self-serving officials is causing you to lose the support of the Hindu community.”
Narsinghanand’s allegations have added fuel to the growing controversy surrounding the stampede. He has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, urging the government to take responsibility for the lapses that led to the tragedy. “I was deeply disappointed after visiting the site of the Kumbh Mela,” he said. “I accuse the chief minister of lying and covering up the true scale of the disaster.”
The Hindutva leader also linked the incident to broader concerns about the future of Hindu society. “My main concern is not just the tragic loss of lives in this incident but the looming disaster facing Hindu society,” he stated. “Hindus made Narendra Modi the prime minister, and you the chief minister, hoping for protection. But now, you are failing us.”
