Four dead in Haridwar stampede

HARIDWAR - Four people are reported to have died after a stampede broke out during a procession at the Maha Kumbh’s Juna Akhada here on Wednesday morning.

It has been reported that the stampede took place following a brawl between the priests and the devotees over the removal of a vehicle.

There are reports that two women devotees have died out of the total four people dead and several others have been injured in the stampede that took place on the last day of the Shahi Snan.

Sources said the Juna Akhada, Ahwan Akhada and Agni Akhada will not participate in the Shahi Snan following the incident.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank had reportedly asked officials to make proper arrangements for the devotees at the Maha Kumbh, so that they did not face any problems in commuting from the parking spots to the bathing ghats.

Security was also tightened for the three-month long Maha Kumbh mela that began on January 14 and end today. (ANI)