Kumbh Stampede: Government reports 37 deaths, BBC investigation confirms at least 82 deaths
Abhinav Goel's investigation into the January 2025 stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj sought to uncover the true scale of one of the deadliest tragedies at the world's largest religious gathering. Conducted over four months, the investigation involved extensive field reporting across 11 states and more than 50 districts. Abhinav travelled to the homes of over 100 families who had lost relatives in the tragedy, documenting first-hand accounts from survivors, eyewitnesses, and grieving families. The investigation was further supported by a meticulous examination of hospital admission records, police reports, death certificates, and mortuary identification documents. Based on this extensive reporting and documentary evidence, the investigation found that at least 82 people had died as a direct result of the stampede, more than double the 37 deaths officially acknowledged by the Uttar Pradesh government. The reporting also uncovered evidence suggesting that, contrary to official accounts describing a single incident, multiple stampede events had occurred at different locations during the gathering. The investigation further raised questions about the official response to the tragedy, including the circumstances surrounding compensation provided to affected families and allegations that efforts were made to limit public discussion about the scale of the disaster. By combining rigorous verification with deeply human storytelling, the investigation brought national attention to the experiences of victims and their families, highlighting issues of transparency, accountability, and disaster management while documenting the profound human cost of the tragedy.
Read the Story →Abhinav Goel is a journalist with BBC News/Collective Newsroom, with over a decade of reporting experience across some of India's most challenging and consequential stories. Beginning his career in documentary filmmaking, he later worked with ABP News before joining BBC News/Collective Newsroom.
Over the years, Abhinav has consistently focused on stories from the ground, spending time with communities at the centre of major social, political, and humanitarian developments. His reportage has covered issues ranging from communal violence and mob lynchings to farmers' protests, student suicides, and questions of governance and accountability.
His body of work includes extensive reporting on the Nuh violence in Haryana, the alleged cover-up of deaths during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the Adani land acquisition controversy in Bihar, student suicides in Kota, and the New Delhi railway station stampede, among other significant stories.
Known for his immersive reporting and people-centric approach, Abhinav's journalism seeks to amplify voices from the margins while bringing depth, context, and nuance to complex issues. His work reflects a sustained commitment to public interest journalism and to documenting the lived experiences of those most affected by events shaping contemporary India.
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