Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives during a stampede at Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. 

In a post on social media platform X, CM Majhi wrote, "The news regarding the death of several devotees in the stampede that occurred along the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is very tragic."

"May Lord Jagannath grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the tragic loss. I also wish a speedy recovery to all the injured devotees," his post read.

Expressing grief over the tragic incident, former Chief Minister Patnaik said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in stampede ahead of Mauni Amavasya holy dip in the ongoing #Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's #Prayagraj. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries."

The stampede occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on the occasion of 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya.'

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said the incident occurred around 2 AM when devotees rushed to the Sangam nose and the barricades broke due to a massive crowd.

According to officials, a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the stampede and offered condolences to the devotees who have lost their lives in the incident.

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