Kumbh Mela 1954: More than 300 deaths, government said ‘some beggars died’

The truth of the horrific stampede that took place in the Allahabad Kumbh Mela of 1954 has come to light. Journalist S N Mukherjee’s memoir revealed that more than 1,000 people died, while the government claimed only 316 deaths. The government tried to hide this incident during the visit of Nehru and the President by calling it ‘death of some beggars’. The officers remained busy having tea and snacks even after the incident. The next day, evidence was destroyed by burning piles of dead bodies. No one was held responsible for this major tragedy.