Kolkata, Oct 18: At least 19 people died and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job for one eligible family member of each deceased person.
The tragedy occurred amid a sudden rush of visitors during rainy weather. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while the injured are receiving treatment at government hospitals in Kolkata.
Suvendu Adhikari Announces Compensation for Stampede Victims
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where several injured people were admitted for treatment. He expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them of government support.
The state government announced Rs 25 lakh in financial assistance for each deceased person’s family, along with a Group D government job for one family member.
Adhikari said the government would conduct a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the stampede and take appropriate action based on the findings.
Police Detain Durga Puja Organisers for Questioning
Police detained the Chorbagan Durga Puja organisers, private security guards and on-duty staff for questioning as part of the investigation.
According to preliminary information shared by the Chief Minister, a loudspeaker announcement made by the puja organisers may have triggered a sudden rush among visitors. Family members of two victims also reportedly raised concerns that whistles blown by private security guards may have contributed to the crowd surge.
The exact cause of the stampede has not yet been established. The site has been handed over to forensic experts, the police Special Task Force (STF) and the Fire Brigade for further examination.
Chorbagan Durga Puja Pandal Closed After Stampede
The Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal, located on a narrow road off Chittaranjan Avenue in north Kolkata, has been ordered to close following the incident.
The administration said its immediate priority was to ensure proper medical care for the injured and support for the victims’ families.
The Chief Minister said that the families of nine deceased people had reached the hospital by the time of his visit. Authorities are continuing to gather information and investigate the events leading to the tragedy.
Amit Shah to Visit Injured Victims in Kolkata
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the injured victims at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital on Sunday, October 18, after postponing his scheduled Durga Puja programmes in West Bengal.
Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday evening for a two-day visit. Following the stampede, he spoke with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
In a post on X, Shah said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and prayed for the peace of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured. He also said the administration was ensuring that the victims received the necessary medical care.
According to officials, most of the injured are being treated at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. Two other injured people have been admitted to the Trauma Care Centre at the state-run SSKM Hospital. It was not immediately clear whether Shah would visit the patients at SSKM Hospital as well.
Amit Shah Cancels Scheduled Durga Puja Visits
Before the stampede, Shah was scheduled to visit the Ramakrishna Mission headquarters at Belur Math on Sunday morning. His itinerary also included visits to several community Durga Puja pandals in Howrah and Kolkata.
He was also expected to visit the historic Durga Puja celebrations at Sovabazar Rajbari in north Kolkata before returning to New Delhi.
However, following the tragedy, the scheduled programmes were postponed. Chief Minister Adhikari said Shah would meet the injured in the hospital before leaving for the national capital.
Chief Minister Calls for Stricter Durga Puja Safety Measures
Following the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, Adhikari urged organisers of theme-based Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal to strengthen safety arrangements.
He stressed the need for adequate lighting, sufficient entry and exit gates, effective crowd management and proper security measures. He also expressed concern that some pandals use limited lighting to maintain their decorative themes, potentially making it difficult for visitors to move safely.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd control and emergency preparedness at popular Durga Puja pandals, which attract large numbers of visitors every year.
Authorities are expected to face increased scrutiny over safety arrangements, security personnel deployment, emergency exits and crowd management following the tragedy.
The investigation is continuing to establish the cause of the stampede and determine whether any lapses contributed to the loss of lives.
