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Mahakumbh Concludes with Final Holy Dip on Mahashivratri Amidst Tragedy
Many attendees cited the significance of the “144-year factor” as a major motivator for their participation in this Mahakumbh. However, amidst the immense influx of pilgrims, the event also saw tragic incidents where over 150 lives were lost. Opposition leaders criticized the government for allegedly concealing details about these tragedies and the identities of victims.
A major incident occurred in the early hours of January 29 during the auspicious Amrit snan of Mauni Amavasya, where a stampede claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others at Sangam Nose. Reports indicated additional stampedes at different ghats on the same day, as more than 8 crore people attended, though these accounts were not officially verified. Additionally, on February 15, 18 people died and 15 were injured in a stampede at New Delhi’s railway station due to overcrowded conditions on the footbridge between platforms 14 and 15. Tragically, over 100 people also lost their lives in road accidents in Uttar Pradesh during this period.
The Mahakumbh began on January 13, coinciding with Paush Purnima, and included four significant Amrit Snans on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Magh Purnima, culminating on Mahashivratri. From dawn, devotees immersed themselves in the divine confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, each dip representing a step towards spiritual merit. The air was filled with Vedic chants and devotional music, showcasing the vibrancy and devotion inherent in Sanatan culture.
With careful planning by the authorities to ensure safety and order, Mahakumbh 2025 evolved beyond a mere religious gathering—becoming a profound symbol of unity and the spiritual resilience of Sanatan society. The sacred bath on Mahashivratri did not just mark the event’s conclusion but also represented a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual narrative. By 5 pm on Mahashivratri, over 1.5 crore devotees had taken part in the holy dip at Sangam.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to arrive in Prayagraj on Thursday to officially declare the end of the Mahakumbh. Under the inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath, Mahakumbh 2025 was more than just a religious event; it reflected a strong commitment to national unity and the essence of Sanatan culture.
PM Modi and CM Yogi aptly referred to it as the ‘Mahakumbh of Unity,’ conveying a powerful message of national togetherness. The gathering of millions at Sangam stood as a testament to this shared commitment. CM Yogi worked tirelessly to ensure the grandeur and seamless organization of the Mahakumbh, while PM Modi elevated its prominence on the world stage through his visionary efforts.
CM Yogi articulated that this event reinforces the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ by eliminating discrimination rooted in caste, creed, and class barriers. “Millions gathered here prove that our true identity lies in unity,” he stated.
As the Mahakumbh concludes with the final holy dip on Mahashivratri, its legacy will resonate globally. Driven by the unwavering determination of Yogi and Modi, this Mahakumbh reflected a magnificent display of spiritual power and a celebration of India’s cultural richness and economic strength.
Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.
According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.
They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.
The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.
The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.
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In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.
The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.
Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.
The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.
The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.
When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.
The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.
After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.
In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.
Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.
The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.
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The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.
This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.
Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.
The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.
Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.
According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.
Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.
Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.
During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.
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Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.
The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.
The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.
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