Search Intensifies for Seven Missing Devotees at Prayagraj's Magh Mela
In a distressing development at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, family members of at least seven devotees, including four women, are frantically searching for their loved ones who have gone missing during the religious congregation. Desperate relatives have been visiting the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir (Lost and Found Camp) and local police stations, clinging to hope for any information about the whereabouts of the missing individuals.
Coordinated Search Efforts Underway
Umesh Tiwari, the organizer of the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir, confirmed to sources that volunteers are working closely with mela police to locate the seven missing devotees. "Their family members have already filed missing complaints with the concerned police stations," Tiwari stated. "Our volunteers are actively searching for them using both digital and social media platforms to amplify the search efforts."
The missing persons list includes:
- Roshan Lal (18) from Reewa
- Udhani Devi (80) from Begusarai
- Nidhi Kumari (18) from Patna
- Phool Kumari Devi (47) from Begusarai
- Hemlata Gupta (54) from Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh
- Shiv Balak (22) from Koraon
- Abhay Raj Yadav (32) from Jhunsi
Timeline of Disappearances
Tiwari provided specific details about when each individual went missing, highlighting the prolonged nature of these cases:
- Roshan Lal has been missing since January 8
- Udhani Devi disappeared on January 18
- Nidhi Kumari went missing on January 27
- Phool Kumari Devi vanished on January 27
- Hemlata Gupta has been missing since January 29
- Shiv Balak disappeared on February 1
- Abhay Raj Yadav has been missing since February 6
"After recording comprehensive details of these missing persons, our volunteers are maintaining constant coordination with both mela police and district police officials," Tiwari explained. The volunteers also maintain daily contact with the families of the missing devotees, exchanging updates and providing emotional support during this difficult time.
Successful Reunions Amidst Ongoing Concerns
Despite the current missing cases, the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir has demonstrated remarkable success during this Magh Mela. Volunteers claim to have reunited an impressive 2,981 people with their families between January 1 and February 8. This track record offers some hope to the families currently searching for their loved ones.
Ganga Prasad, whose son went missing on January 8, shared his family's experience: "Like most people, we came to the traditional Bhoole Bhatke Shivir with hope. We have provided all necessary information to both mela and local police authorities and remain hopeful that our missing family member will be located soon."
The Magh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering that attracts millions of devotees, presents unique challenges for crowd management and safety. The Bhoole Bhatke Shivir has become an essential institution during these events, specializing in reuniting separated family members and friends.
As the search continues, authorities emphasize the importance of preventive measures for devotees attending large gatherings. They recommend keeping identification documents accessible, establishing meeting points with family members, and immediately reporting any separations to the nearest police post or the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir.
