Maha Kumbh: Policeman Pours Ashes to the Food that was being Prepared for Devotees

By R Rakendu

A police officer in Prayagraj was suspended after a video surfaced showing him pouring ash into the food that was being prepared for the devotees at a Bhandara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Trans Ganga, Kuldeep Singh, ordered the suspension of Station House Officer (SHO) Brijesh Tiwari following an initial inquiry that found him guilty of misconduct. The incident occurred on 30^th January, 2024, Thursday night near Bhavapur Toll Plaza Road while locals were preparing meals for devotees walking towards the Sangam.

Reports indicate that Tiwari, the SHO of the Soraon police station, was upset that the bhandara was being organized without police approval. After asking the locals to vacate the area, when they refused, he proceeded to pour ash into one of the food containers.

The video, which was shared on social media platform X, quickly went viral. A user tagged the DCP Ganga Nagar’s account and called for strict action against the officer for his “shameful act.” In response, the DCP’s official account confirmed the suspension of the Soraon SHO following a report from the ACP of Soraon. The police also mentioned that departmental proceedings were in progress.

The video was also shared by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on social media, urging the public to pay attention to the incident. He commented, “It is unfortunate that the efforts of those trying to provide food and water to people stranded during the Maha Kumbh are being sabotaged due to political hostility. The public should take note of this!”

During the ongoing Maha Kumbh, millions of pilgrims have flocked to Prayagraj, and numerous individuals, groups, and organizations have set up community kitchens to offer free or low-cost meals to the visiting devotees.

Keeping aside this incident and the stampede that happened, the Maha Kumbh is positively attracting a lot of attention from all over the world. The government of Uttar Pradesh are to take further steps to increase the safety measures at Prayagraj.