Car mows down two Kumbh pilgrims
By IANSWednesday, April 14, 2010
HARIDWAR - At least two Kumbh pilgrims were killed and five others injured when a speeding car ran over them here Wednesday, police said, denying media reports that the pilgrims were killed in a stampede during the ongoing and last royal bath of the Maha Kumbh.
“The accident took place after a speeding car ran over them and not because of any stampede,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG, Kumbh Mela) Alok Sharma told IANS on phone.
“The accident took place nearly two km away from the Har-Ki-Pauri ghat, when a car went out of control and ran over several people, killing two on the spot. Those injured are being treated in various hospitals,” he added.
Anand Vardhan, officer in-charge of the mela told IANS: “The identity of the deceased - a man and a woman - is yet to be established.”
According to police sources, the car belongs to a Mahamandaleshwar (head of an akhada).
“It’s a case of negligent driving. We have initiated an enquiry and will take necessary action in this regard,” said Sharma.
Police are yet to make any arrests in the case.
Shahi Snan, one of the most important events of the Maha Kumbh Mela, witnesses sadhus of various sects going to the banks of the Ganga in a ceremonial march and then taking a dip in the water - a symbol that they have dedicated themselves to the holy river.
The Maha Kumbh Mela began Jan 14.
