MAHAKUMBH NAGAR, Jan. 30 -- In the aftermath of the stampede at Sangam Nose during the second Amrit Snan in the wee hours on Wednesday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to avoid overcrowding and take the holy dip at designated ghats instead.

Acknowledging the immense rush, he emphasised coordinated efforts involving monastic orders and spiritual leaders to ensure devotees' safety, with seers agreeing to let pilgrims bathe first.

Highlighting the sheer scale of the gathering-over 8 crore devotees in Prayagraj and 5.5 crore bathing on Tuesday-he attributed the mishap to some devotees attempting to cross barricades in the early hours, leading to injuries. The injured devotees were admitted to the hospital.

The CM said he ...