A stampede during the ensuing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 29, resulted in the death of over 30 people and injuries to over 60. In the above backdrop, a video of a large crowd travelling on top of a train has gone viral with the claim that it shows people arriving at Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.

An Instagram user shared the video and wrote, “Prayagraj is so crowded that there is no place to stand.” (Translated from Hindi)

SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral video is old and from Bangladesh.

On a Google reverse image search, we found the viral video on an X account, shared on September 22, 2024. The video was shared with a caption that reads, “An extremely overcrowded train in Bangladesh!” The video was attributed to Rail and Road Bangladesh (RRBD).

Taking a hint, we searched for RRBD and found an Instagram page in its name and the viral video shared on the page on August 13, 2024. The video was shared with a caption suggesting that it was one of the world’s most crowded trains. The bio of the Instagram page suggested that it covers road, rail, transport, mega infrastructure projects and related issues.

While we cannot ascertain the context of the viral video and the place where it was shot, we can ascertain that the viral video is old and not related to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh.