India

Probe panel begins work; CS, DGP oversee arrangements

January 30, 2025

The three-member judicial commission, constituted by the UP government to probe the Mahakumbh stampede, begun its work in Lucknow on Thursday, even as chief secretary Manoj Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar reached Prayagraj to oversee the arrangements ahead of Vasant Panchami.

The officers inspected the site of stampede that claimed 30 lives on Wednesday. “Both the top officers focussed on the required steps to further strengthen safety arrangements. They asked officers to remain alert for the rest of the period,” a source in Prayagraj police said.

The state may deploy additional force to manage the crowd for the amrit snan scheduled for Monday.

The three-member panel, headed by justice Harsh Kumar (retd), may visit Prayagraj on Friday. On Thursday morning, the members arrived at their Lucknow office and took charge of the probe. He said, “Since investigation is a priority, we have taken charge within hours of the announcement.”

The state government, meanwhile, said no VIP protocols will be enforced on special bathing days of February 3, 12 and 26.