India, Jan. 30 -- It was 2 am on Wednesday when the entire 4,000-hectare Mahakumbh Mela area echoed with chants of "Jai Gange" and "Har Har Mahadev" on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. But within half an hour, cries for help replaced the chants.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and disorder. "People fell, tried to stand up, lost from loved ones in the melee," said an onlooker.

The situation spiralled out of control when devotees struggled to find an exit after their ritualistic bath. Many were carrying heavy luggage, and the presence of iron dustbins created unexpected obstacles, causing people to trip and fall. "I got stuck in a dustbin and lost my shoes. I fell, injured my feet, and somehow got up to help my parents and another w...