New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday said that the administration had acted responsibly and in the interest of public safety during the scuffle involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Shankaracharya and authorities at the Sangam Ghat during the ongoing Prayagraj Mela.
Responding to the controversy, Rajbhar said, “The administration had already explained this. You all saw the visuals yesterday, and today the photographs were published in the print media. At that time, lakhs of people were present, and the bathing rituals were underway.
“The administration only requested that either he wait for some time so that once the crowd reduced, arrangements could be made for his bath in keeping with his dignity, or if he wished to proceed immediately, travelling by carriage would be difficult.”
Echoing a similar view, UP Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal stressed that no individual, irrespective of status, could be exempt from security protocols during large public gatherings. He said, “Today, there are attempts to create disturbances. There is vigilance over these, and measures are in place to handle them. No matter who it is, whether they are highly respected elders or mahants, everyone is treated equally under these arrangements. For those who act against these rules, it can lead to legal consequences…”
The remarks came a day after chaos broke out at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya bathing rituals, one of the most significant events of the Prayagraj Mela, which drew an exceptionally large influx of devotees. According to officials, the overwhelming crowd density prompted authorities to impose strict movement restrictions in sensitive zones to prevent stampede-like situations.
On Sunday, the procession of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwar Saraswati of Jyoti Peeth was halted after police declared the Sangam area a no-vehicle zone due to safety concerns. Officials reportedly prevented his vehicle from proceeding towards the riverbank, citing the risk posed by the massive crowd.
The restriction led to a heated exchange between the Shankaracharya’s supporters and the police, which escalated into brief physical confrontations at the site. The situation heightened tensions within the fairgrounds, prompting security personnel to intervene and restore order.
Following the incident, Swami Avimukteshwaranand declined to take the ceremonial holy dip at the Sangam, expressing displeasure over the handling of the situation by the authorities.
Officials have reiterated that crowd control measures were enforced uniformly to ensure the safety of devotees during peak bathing hours, and that the administration remains committed to maintaining order during the remainder of the mela.
–IANS
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