Mamata Banerjee Criticizes 'Mrityu Kumbh': Calls for Better Planning at Religious Gatherings

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the handling of the Maha Kumbh, branding it as a 'Mrityu Kumbh' after fatal stampedes. She accused authorities of underreporting deaths and called for better management to ensure safety at religious events. Banerjee emphasized the failure to set up investigative committees post-tragedy.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday lambasted the handling of the Maha Kumbh, labeling it a 'Mrityu Kumbh' due to tragic stampedes. She claimed officials suppressed the death toll at the mega religious event.

A total of 30 people tragically lost their lives last month in a stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, while another 18 were killed in a similar incident at a packed New Delhi railway station. Banerjee called these events "deeply heartbreaking" and emphasized the need for more effective planning and management to safeguard the public at large religious gatherings.

Banerjee sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for its hyped promotions of the Maha Kumbh without ensuring adequate arrangements, alleging that many fatalities were being downplayed. She shed light on the plight of Bengal residents killed in the stampede whose bodies reportedly were returned too hastily, complicating families' efforts to obtain necessary death certificates. Additionally, Banerjee condemned the 'VIP culture' prevalent at the event, mentioning her own decision against taking the holy dip to avoid causing inconvenience to the public.

(With inputs from agencies.)