IN PHOTOS | Year-ender 2025: Top five incidents that shook India

Updated On: 17 December, 2025 08:07 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

From stampedes and terror attacks to air disasters, 2025 witnessed tragedies that shook India, raised tough questions on safety, governance and accountability, and left the nation grieving lost lives. (PICS/ Mid-Day archives)

1/13

2/13

Mahakumbh Stampede

What happened: A stampede broke out at the Mahakumbh on the night of January 28–29, leading to chaos at the pilgrimage site

Consequences: At least 30 people were confirmed dead, while over 60 others sustained injuries

<p><strong>Impact:</strong> The tragedy exposed serious crowd-management lapses during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, sparking nationwide concern over pilgrim safety</p>

3/13

Impact: The tragedy exposed serious crowd-management lapses during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, sparking nationwide concern over pilgrim safety

<p><strong>Solution/govt response: </strong>A judicial inquiry was ordered under Justice Harsh Kumar. However, as of December 2025, no final report has been made public</p>

4/13

Solution/govt response: A judicial inquiry was ordered under Justice Harsh Kumar. However, as of December 2025, no final report has been made public

5/13

Pahalgam Terror Attack

What happened: On April 22, terrorists targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

Consequences: Twenty-six civilians were killed, including 25 tourists and one local pony operator. Around 20 people were injured.

<p><strong>Solution/govt response:</strong> The incident escalated into a broader India-Pakistan crisis, with skirmishes along the Line of Control and Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps across the border</p>

6/13

Solution/govt response: The incident escalated into a broader India-Pakistan crisis, with skirmishes along the Line of Control and Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps across the border

7/13

RCB Bengaluru Stampede

What happened: A stampede erupted outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory.

Consequences: Eleven people were killed and nearly 50 others suffered injuries.

<p><strong>Impact:</strong> The incident highlighted major lapses in crowd control during public celebrations, raising questions about event planning and police preparedness</p>

8/13

Impact: The incident highlighted major lapses in crowd control during public celebrations, raising questions about event planning and police preparedness

<p><strong>Solution/govt response: </strong>Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a deputy commissioner-level probe. No final report has been released as of December 2025</p>

9/13

Solution/govt response: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a deputy commissioner-level probe. No final report has been released as of December 2025

10/13

Air India Ahmedabad Crash

What happened: London-bound Air India Flight AI171 crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, with 242 people on board

Consequences: Two hundred and forty-one passengers and crew members were killed. The lone survivor, Ramesh, sustained severe injuries

<p><strong>Impact: </strong>One of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, the crash raised global concerns over aviation safety and aircraft systems.</p>
<p><strong>Solution/govt response:</strong> Six months after the crash, no final investigation report has been released. Preliminary findings in July indicated fuel switches were flipped to `CUTOFF` shortly after takeoff, though the full probe remains ongoing.</p>

11/13

Impact: One of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, the crash raised global concerns over aviation safety and aircraft systems.

Solution/govt response: Six months after the crash, no final investigation report has been released. Preliminary findings in July indicated fuel switches were flipped to `CUTOFF` shortly after takeoff, though the full probe remains ongoing.

12/13

Goa Club Fire Tragedy

What happened: A massive fire broke out late at night at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, reportedly triggered by an electric fireworks short-circuit and exacerbated by poor ventilation

Consequences: Twenty-five people, including 20 staff members, died, mostly due to suffocation

<p><strong>Solution/govt response:</strong> Four staff members were arrested. The club owners were deported from Thailand and brought to Delhi for investigation</p>

13/13

Solution/govt response: Four staff members were arrested. The club owners were deported from Thailand and brought to Delhi for investigation

Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach

A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

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