17 feared dead, 25 injured in North Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede; Ex gratia announced

Kolkata: At least 17 people are feared dead and 25 others have been hospitalised after a devastating stampede triggered by a massive crowd surge at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, according to police sources.

The tragedy unfolded when unexpected rainfall caused thousands of devotees waiting outside the venue to rush forward simultaneously in search of shelter. In the sudden movement, several individuals tripped and fell onto the road, leading to a severe stampede.

Emergency services and disaster management personnel were swiftly deployed to the site. A total of 35 people were rushed to a nearby state-run hospital, where sources confirmed that 10 individuals were feared dead.

https://x.com/manogyaloiwal/status/2111495316860

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, and Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee visited the hospital to oversee medical relief operations and review emergency arrangements for the victims.

"Seventeen people were brought dead to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 others are injured," Adhikari said.
One of the injured was in a critical condition, Adhikari said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and announced financial relief from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Writing on X, the Prime Minister stated, “The stampede in Kolkata is an extremely heartbreaking incident. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish for the injured to recover quickly. The local administration is providing all possible kinds of assistance to the affected.”
PM Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person, adding that local authorities are providing all possible assistance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his scheduled official programmes in West Bengal for Sunday to visit the hospitalised victims. In a post on X, Shah wrote, “I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari about this matter... I am postponing all my scheduled programs in West Bengal tomorrow to visit the injured in the hospital. I pray to Ma Durga that all the injured individuals recover swiftly.”

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her grief over the incident, “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chorbagan puja pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.”

Authorities have intensified safety protocols and crowd management procedures across all major puja venues in the capital to prevent further incidents.

(Agecies)