Tragedy Strikes Kolkata: Death Toll Rises to 19 in Durga Puja Stampede

Kolkata, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : A tragic incident occurred in Kolkata on Sunday, October 18, when a stampede at the Chorabagan Sarvajanic Durga Puja pandal left 19 people dead, with 17 fatalities occurring at the scene. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that 25 others were injured, with 24 reported to be out of danger while one remains in critical condition.

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari announced compensation for the families of the deceased. He personally met with 13 families affected by the tragedy to reassure them of the government’s support. Each victim’s family will receive ₹2.5 lakh, along with a job offer. The government will also cover 100% of medical expenses for the injured and provide an additional ₹5 lakh in compensation.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for caution during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, which involve around 58,000 events across the state. He urged organizers to maintain crowd control and adhere to safety guidelines from fire services and police, including proper lighting and designated entry and exit points.

The chaos began when part of an exit gate collapsed at the Chorabagan pandal, leading to panic among attendees. Adhikari visited the Calcutta Medical College to check on the injured, accompanied by the state BJP president and Rajya Sabha members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences for the victims, announcing a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. He extended his sympathies via a post on social media and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.

In related news, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the hospital where the injured are being treated.