A police officer was suspended on Thursday after a video surfaced online, allegedly showing him mixing ash into food prepared for a Bhandara (community feast) at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
According to PTI, action was taken against Station House Officer (SHO) of Soraon, Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, after the video gained traction on social media. DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Singh Gunawat confirmed the suspension.
Viral Video Triggers Outrage
In the widely shared footage, a police officer appears to be adding ash to food being cooked over a stove. A user posted the clip on X, tagging the DCP Ganga Nagar’s account and urging strict action against the officer, calling it a “shameful act.”
Responding to the post, the official account of DCP Ganga Nagar stated:
यूपी पुलिस का अमानवीय चेहरा ! कुंभ के खाने में दरोगा ने राख और बालू फेंकी ! वीडियो हुआ वायरल
Inhuman face of UP police! Inspector threw ashes and sand in Kumbh food! Video went viral pic.twitter.com/qiQzd3VTem
— Anil James INC @ അനിൽ ജെയിംസ് INC (@aniljames65_inc) January 31, 2025
“Taking cognizance of the matter, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ganga Nagar) has suspended the Soraon SHO based on a report from ACP Soraon. Departmental proceedings are underway.”
The video also caught the attention of Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who shared it on social media, criticizing the act and stating:
“It is unfortunate that the good efforts of those who are making arrangements to provide food and water to those stranded at the Maha Kumbh are being scuttled due to political animosity. The public should take notice!”
With millions of devotees gathering in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, various individuals, groups, and organizations have set up community kitchens to provide free or affordable meals to pilgrims.
Maha Kumbh Stampede Tragedy
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar visited Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital on Thursday to check on injured devotees following a stampede that occurred in the Sangam area during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan on Wednesday.
During their visit, both senior officials met injured pilgrims, inquired about their condition, and instructed medical teams to ensure adequate care.
The tragic pre-dawn stampede resulted in at least 30 deaths, 60 injuries, and several missing persons as massive crowds of pilgrims rushed to take a holy dip on one of the most sacred days of Mauni Amavasya.