On January 30, a massive fire erupted at the Maha Kumbh Mela site in Sector 22, near Jhunsi Chhatnag Ghat, reducing nearly 15 tents to ashes. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has now unraveled into a shocking exposé of corruption and fraud at one of India’s most sacred religious gatherings. A New Delhi Post investigation has uncovered that the tent city, which operated illegally without any official tender or allotment, had been charging a staggering ₹20,000 per night for accommodation. The unauthorized operation thrived for over a month, raising serious concerns about administrative oversight and potential high-level collusion.
Despite its unauthorized status, the tent city functioned with full access to essential utilities, including water and electricity. This begs the question: how did a grand setup of such magnitude materialize with official infrastructure, yet authorities remained oblivious? It seems implausible that such a large-scale operation could have existed without at least tacit approval from Kumbh Mela officials.
- Water and electricity could have been illegally tapped from nearby authorized sources, including existing public or private supply lines.
- Officials may have manipulated records to show that these connections were part of authorized facilities.
Following the fire, authorities acted swiftly, registering an FIR against the operators and shutting down the illegal encampment. Initial investigations revealed the presence of VIP facilities such as a luxury restaurant, a dedicated yagya (ritual fire) area, and geysers. While the administration justified its actions as necessary for compliance with safety regulations, deeper scrutiny suggests that the illegal enterprise could not have flourished without active collusion from key officials.
This was not an isolated fire incident at the Maha Kumbh. On January 19, 2025, another blaze in Sectors 19-20, caused by a gas cylinder explosion, razed 20-25 tents. While no casualties were reported in either incident, the recurring fires highlight glaring safety violations and administrative lapses.
Given the scale of the Kumbh Mela, it is evident that key departments, including the Kumbh Mela administration, the electricity board, and the Jal Nigam (water supply department), either ignored or actively facilitated these violations. Unauthorized access to utilities would have required technical expertise and assistance from within these departments. It is suspected that local contractors and junior engineers acted as intermediaries, enabling the illegal connections.
- Who approved water and electricity connections?
- Were there fake documents used for approvals?
- Did any official receive kickbacks?
- Were complaints raised and ignored?
A thorough audit of official records is essential to determine how water and electricity connections were approved for an unregistered establishment. Crucial questions remain unanswered: Were fake documents used to obtain these approvals? Did any officials receive kickbacks in exchange for facilitating these illegal connections? Were any complaints raised regarding the unauthorized settlement, and if so, why were they ignored?
A review of financial transactions, official permits, and whistleblower testimonies could shed light on potential cover-ups.
Further investigation has revealed that the land for the illegal tent city was allegedly measured and allocated by Kumbh revenue officers (Lekhpal) and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) without official permission. This raises another critical set of questions. How did such a large area get allocated without proper approvals? Why did law enforcement and administrative officials fail to detect an unauthorized settlement within a high-security event? How could a Lekhpal allocate land freely while common pilgrims struggled for basic access?
- The illegal tent city could not have operated without the support of officials from departments such as the Kumbh Mela administration, electricity board, and Jal Nigam (water supply department).
- It is likely that some officials deliberately ignored the violation in exchange for bribes or were directly involved in facilitating the operation.
This discrepancy suggests a deliberate misuse of administrative power to benefit select individuals.
With room rates of ₹20,000 per night, the illegal operation generated crores in illicit profits. A rough timeline suggests the following questions which needs to be answered. The illegal tent city operated for at least 20 days while the Construction likely took an additional 10 to 20 days. The entire scam spanned 30 to 40 days.
Shockingly, this occurred under the jurisdiction of a dedicated Maha Kumbh administration, AI surveillance with 2,700 cameras, and direct oversight from the Chief Minister. Yet, the fraud remained undetected until the fire incident.
The burning question remains: were authorities deceived, or did they knowingly turn a blind eye? If so, why was there no internal accountability? Identifying the main conspirators is crucial for long-term reforms. The key officials in charge of land allocation, utility approvals, and law enforcement should be scrutinized. The financial records of implicated individuals should be thoroughly examined to uncover any suspicious transactions.
- Water and electricity could have been illegally tapped from nearby authorized sources, including existing public or private supply lines.
- Officials may have manipulated records to show that these connections were part of authorized facilities.
The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is not just a religious event; it is a testament to India’s cultural and administrative prowess. If corruption can thrive despite stringent surveillance, what does this say about governance at large? The government must take decisive action to punish the guilty and enforce stricter oversight to prevent such scams in the future.
Will the investigation hold the culprits accountable, or will the case be buried under political pressure, as has happened in previous instances? The answer will determine whether faith in the system can be restored or whether this remains yet another tale of unchecked corruption in India’s grandest religious gathering.