Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar confirmed on Friday that there will be no vehicle entry restrictions in the city on January 31, February 1, and February 4. He stated that the diversion scheme would only be enforced on February 2 and 3 for the Vasant Panchami snan.

Mandar refuted viral claims that vehicle entry would be restricted until February 4, saying, "A news is viral on social media that the entry of vehicles in Prayagraj will be restricted till February 4. This news is completely baseless. The divergent scheme was implemented only for the peak day of Mauni Amavasya. Now, almost all the devotees are returning and the scheme of divergence is being removed by the police. We have instructed the police to remove the barricades. On January 31, February 1 and 4, there will be no restriction on any vehicle. Only on February 2 and 3, on the snan of Vasant Panchami, the scheme of divergence will be implemented. There is a very different process of entry of vehicles into the Mela Kshetra, Mela officials and DIG will inform everyone about it. There is no restriction on the vehicles in the Commissionerate area."

In a related development, the Yogi Government announced on Thursday that VIP movement will be restricted on major bathing days. VIP and VVIP delegations planning to visit Prayagraj during Vasant Panchami, Magh Purnima, and Mahashivratri – as well as a day before and after these festivals – will not receive any special privileges, according to a press release.

Furthermore, the three-member judicial commission tasked with investigating the tragic stampede at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed 30 lives, has officially started its work. Commission Chairman Justice (Retd.) Harsh Kumar remarked, "Since the investigation is a priority, we have taken charge within hours of the announcement."

He added, "Although we have a month to complete the probe, we will make every effort to conclude it as quickly as possible."

Justice Kumar also confirmed that the commission would soon visit Prayagraj to assess the situation. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, and other senior officials carried out an on-site inspection in Prayagraj.