Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan. 30 -- A stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday claimed dozens of lives and left many more injured. A senior doctor at a hospital tending the injured told The Pioneer that most of the deceased were from Karnataka, and their bodies have been handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations.

Despite the tragedy, the spiritual fervor remained intact as over six crore devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. The Akhara Parishad, which had initially called off the Amrit Snan, later participated in the ritual, albeit without its usual grandeur.

There was, however, a variance in the statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath r...