Massive fire breaks out at the Maha Kumbh mela, Khalistani outfit takes responsibility
Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India 
18 January, 2025
Case Summary
A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on January 19, 2025. The fire occurred at a camp in the Kumbh area, leading to substantial damage. Initial suspicions pointed to an accidental fire. However, soon, a Khalistani terrorist organization named Khalistan Zindabad Force released a statement claiming responsibility for the incident. They claimed it was 'revenge' for the killing of 3 Khalistani terrorists in Pilibhit, UP in a joint encounter by Punjab Police and UP Police. The ATS took cognizance of the matter and launched a detailed investigation to verify the claims and determine if there was any malicious intent behind the fire. Officials assured the devotees that the situation was under control and that all necessary steps were being taken to ensure the safety of devotees attending the Kumbh.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the prime category of- Attack on Hindu religious representations. Under this, the sub-category selected is- Violence against religious structures or centres. In Hinduism, a religious structure is also considered divine. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the religious structure itself is sacred. In this sub-category, we would document attacks against religious structures which are not consecrated temple spaces. Such religious spaces could be temporary in nature – for example – the religious spaces erected specifically for festivals like Durga Puja etc. This category would also document cases of attacks against religious centres. These spaces in their own right may not be ‘sacred’ per se, however, are often spaces where religious gurus live, religious teaching is imparted, or belong to religious institutions. Any attack against religious structures is a result of animosity towards the religion itself, which manifests itself through the religious spaces and therefore, such attacks are considered religiously motivated hate crimes. Religious centres are also manifestations of the religion, its teachings or gurus and therefore, attacks against such centres would be considered religiously motivated hate crimes. The incident involving the fire at the Mahakumbh Mela, claimed by a Khalistani organization, highlights the deep-seated animosity that Khalistani separatists hold towards Hindus. It is pertinent to note that Khalistani separatists harboured specific animosity towards Hindus and their faith and also view India as a Hindu collectivity. The very basis of their demands for a separate country carved out of India is that India is a Hindu collectivity and the Sikh religious identity is separate from it, much like Islam. Therefore, the deliberate act of targeting a significant Hindu religious event, such as the Mahakumbh, is a stark demonstration of this hostility, reflecting a broader pattern of animosity toward Hinduism and its traditions. This violent act is emblematic of the Khalistani separatists’ antagonism and is a clear example of a hate crime aimed at undermining the Hindu community and its religious practices.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Sikh Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
