It was not that big, says Hema Malini on Maha Kumbh stampede incident that left 30 dead

Speaking to the media, Hema Malini was quoted as saying: "We also visited the Maha Kumbh. The incident did happen. It wasn't that big."

"It has been exaggerated," she said.

Appreciating the Uttar Pradesh government, Malini, a yesteryear Bollywood actress, said CM Yogi Adityanath-led administration is managing the event well.

Akhilesh Yadav demands release of actual death toll

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief and Lok Sabha MP Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh must release the actual death toll in the stampede which took place at Hindu festival Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj late last month.

Akhilesh alleged the BJP government suppressed the actual toll and also appealed for an all-party meeting on the stampede.

"Along with the budget figures, the government must also present the figures related to the deaths that occurred in Maha Kumbh. I appeal to the government to call an all-party meeting to explain the Maha Kumbh management," he said in the Lok Sabha.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the Army should be employed in the disaster works besides alleging that JCB machines were used to lift the dead bodies from the mela.

"The Army should be handed over the responsibility of the Maha Kumbh disaster management. Strict actions must be taken against people who are held responsible for the Maha Kumbh tragedy and also the ones who are trying to cover up the truth," the leader of the third largest party in the Lok Sabha said.

While Akhilesh demanded action against the one held responsible, the Supreme Court rejected the plea seeking action against Uttar Pradesh government officials over the stampede which as per the administration killed 30 people.

The top court, which called the stampede "unfortunate", has asked the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court.