On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the state government is taking the Mahakumbh stampede incident extremely seriously and has established a judicial inquiry commission to probe the matter.

Addressing the incident, Pathak remarked, "The government has taken the incident of Prayagraj very seriously. A judicial inquiry commission has been set up. Whoever is found guilty after the investigation report will be subjected to strict action." 

Earlier today, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar and Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh arrived in Prayagraj to assess the situation following the stampede on January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya festival.

They also took the opportunity to review the security measures ahead of the third Amrit Snan, scheduled for February 3 in conjunction with Vasant Panchami. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna announced that VIP movement would be restricted on February 3 and that preparations for the event were being strengthened. This includes reinforcing security and reopening all bridges, as the crowd size is expected to be reduced.

"We are making arrangements for the upcoming Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami and the movement of pilgrims. Keeping that in mind, duties are being strengthened... We have reopened all the bridges because the crowd has reduced. Before Vasant Panchami, we will work according to our Zonal Plan... Just like no VIP movement was allowed on 29 January no VIP movement will be allowed on 3 February... Our personnel are geared up for crowd management," he stated.

A stampede-like incident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, resulting in significant casualties. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna, at least 30 people have died, and 60 others have been injured. Twenty-five of the bodies have been identified so far.

The incident took place as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the occasion of the Second Shahi Snan. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial aid of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also stated that a judicial committee will investigate the incident and submit a report to the state government within a specified timeframe.