Pandit Dhirendra Kumar Shastri, widely known as Bageshwar Baba, has ignited controversy with his remarks on the recent tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. The incident, which occurred on January 30, resulted in the loss of 30 lives and left over 60 individuals injured.
Shastri's statement, perceived by many as insensitive, included comments such as, "Death is inevitable for everyone; one day, everyone has to leave this world. However, if someone dies on the banks of the Ganga, they do not just die; they attain Moksha (liberation)." He went on to say, "No one has truly died here. Yes, some have departed before their time, which is saddening. But the truth is, death is certain for all. In reality, they have not died; they have attained Moksha."
The backlash was swift and widespread, with critics accusing Shastri of downplaying the tragedy and showing a lack of empathy toward the victims' families. Social media platforms were flooded with outraged comments, with many labeling his remarks as "shameless" and "dumb." Critics argue that his statements fail to acknowledge the grief and suffering experienced by the bereaved families.
In his defense, Shastri maintained that he was sharing a religious perspective on death and salvation, and accused certain groups of exploiting the incident to malign Hindutva and create a negative perception of Sanatan Dharma.
Following the stampede, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission to investigate the causes of the tragedy and introduced new measures to improve crowd management at the Mahakumbh. Additionally, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court, seeking legal action against authorities and officials for their alleged negligence.
As the debate over Shastri's remarks continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh and preventing such tragedies in the future.