Tragedy Strikes Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal as 17 Lives Are Lost in Stampede

Kolkata, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : A tragic incident occurred on Saturday at a community Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, leading to the deaths of 17 people as a massive crowd gathered for the festival. Many others sustained injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the event and announced compensation for the victims’ families.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the families of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while those injured will receive ₹50,000. Modi described the stampede in Kolkata as deeply saddening and extended his condolences to those who lost loved ones, wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.

The chaotic scene unfolded at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, located on Mukhtarambabu Street in North Kolkata. Injured individuals were taken to the nearby Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where some are reported to be in critical condition.

Panic ensued when part of the pandal’s exit collapsed, causing fear among those present. There are concerns that the number of injured may rise.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, along with the state BJP president and Rajya Sabha members, visited Calcutta Medical College to assess the condition of the patients. The Chief Minister instructed hospital officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured.

Kolkata police, along with state disaster management and firefighting teams, arrived at the scene to assist in rescue operations.

Event organizer Bikash Das told reporters that the exact cause of the incident is still unclear. “Our primary focus is on rescue efforts and ensuring the injured reach the hospital,” he stated. It remains uncertain whether victims were trampled in the crowd surge.