The Uttar Pradesh government has directed district police chiefs to temporarily halt vehicles carrying devotees to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj following a stampede-like situation during the Second Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya early Wednesday.
The move is aimed at preventing overcrowding at the religious gathering, where millions of pilgrims converge to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
In Rae Bareli, Circle Officer (City) Amit Singh confirmed that around 40-50 vehicles, including 10 large buses, have been stopped from proceeding to Prayagraj. "Due to the heavy rush, we have set up holding areas where vehicles are being temporarily halted to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement in Prayagraj," he said.
Similar restrictions have been imposed in Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi, where vehicles have been stopped at the outer boundaries of Prayagraj.
"No vehicles from outside will be allowed to enter Prayagraj for the next 24 hours," a government spokesperson said.
