Maha Kumbh 2025: 700+ UP Police Seek Leave with Identical Excuses

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, extensive preparations are underway for the Maha Kumbh Mela scheduled for January 2025. This significant religious gathering is anticipated to draw a crowd of 40 crore devotees, a substantial increase from the 25 crore attendees in 2019. The event, which commences on January 13 with the Paush Purnima Snan and concludes on February 26, has prompted the deployment of about 6,000 police personnel from across various states to ensure the security of the masses.

The substantial police deployment began on October 25, with officers from nearly every district in Uttar Pradesh included. However, an unusual situation has arisen: out of the deployed force, 1,200 personnel have requested leave in December, with over half of these requests, approximately 700, attributed to concerns over their wives' pregnancies or illnesses. It's noted that some of these cases involve impending childbirth in December or January.

This trend has notably surprised officials responsible for the security at the Maha Kumbh, especially since most of the police personnel requesting leave are constables recruited in 2018 and 2023. In addition to these leave requests related to family matters, another 250 policemen have sought time off due to their parents' illness, while others have cited the need to attend family events such as the 'Tehrvi', a ceremony held 13 days after a death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the Maha Kumbh as a "great sacrifice of unity," emphasizing its significance. The gathering not only represents a pivotal spiritual occasion but also a massive logistical and security undertaking for the region. The leave applications from a substantial number of police personnel pose a unique challenge to maintaining robust security measures for the event, underscoring the personal sacrifices made by those involved in its planning and execution.

As the Maha Kumbh Mela approaches, the focus remains on balancing the extensive security needs with the personal needs of the deployed personnel, ensuring a safe and successful event for the crores of devotees expected to attend.