18 die in stampede in Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata; PM Modi expresses grief
A stampede occurred on Saturday evening at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, West Bengal. The incident resulted in 18 deaths, including 3 men, 13 women, and two children. However, sources at the Kolkata Medical College have claimed a death toll of 20. More than 45 people have been injured in the incident.
According to the Kolkata Police, it began to rain on Saturday evening, prompting many people to take shelter inside the pandal. At approximately 7:40 PM, as new visitors attempted to enter, pushing and shoving ensued, leading to a stampede.
Following the incident, the lights at the pandal were switched off, and further entry was halted. Several other Durga Puja pandals have also been closed in the wake of the event. The Bengal government has issued a toll-free helpline number, 18003455678, to assist those affected.
Pritam Sarkar, founder of the Chorbagan Sarvajanin Durga Puja Committee, stated that as soon as it began to rain, a large number of people started entering the pandal. Arrangements had been made to allow only a limited number of people inside at any given time; however, the pressure from the crowd caused a portion of the pandal to collapse, which triggered a stampede.
Some eyewitnesses claimed that there were no proper announcements regarding the entry and exit points of the pandal, nor were there any necessary instructions provided to manage the crowd. This led to confusion among the people and resulted in chaos.
Meanwhile, some local residents alleged that there was an insufficient police presence at the pandal, with officers deployed only at the VIP gate.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede in Kolkata.
The Prime Minister said that the incident is saddening. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also noted that the West Bengal Government is providing all possible help to the affected families.
The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X;
“The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi”
Injured are receiving medical treatment: CM
CM Suvendu Adhikari stated, "I have been at the Medical College since 9 o'clock. Our entire team is on the ground; no one is sitting idle at home. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment."
He mentioned that he had met with the families of the deceased. The families informed him that private security personnel were present at the site; however, the sound of a whistle caused people to start running, which led to the stampede. He described the incident as deeply tragic, adding that he had no words to express his grief.
Suvendu Adhikari further informed that club officials, private security personnel, and individuals who were on duty at the time have been taken into custody by the police. He confirmed that 17 people have died in the incident so far.