The stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity puja pandal in KolkataThe pandal was subsequently closed, and so were other such pandals that were seeing a heavy footfall on Durga Puja.
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CM Suvendu Adhikari’s pre-Durga Puja gift: West Bengal government increases Karmabandhus’ salary by Rs 3,000 | Image: X
New Delhi: At least 18 people died and 25 others were injured in a stampede-like situation at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari saidOne of the injured was in a critical condition, he said.
As it started raining, the crowd waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed forward, and some of them fell on the road, leading to the stampede, a police officer saidAdhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the state-run hospital where the injured were taken, he said.
Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and senior officials also rushed to the hospitalDisaster management personnel have been deployed at the site, the officer said.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari talks to Zee 24 Ghanta:
“A tragic incident has taken place at Chorbagan Sarbojanin around 7:30 – 8:00 PMAs soon as we received the news, we rushed to the Medical CollegeInitially, 25 people were injured, of whom one is in critical condition, and tragically, 17 people have lost their livesWe are doing everything possible to stand by the affected familiesAt present, forensic teams, STF, and Kolkata Police have cleared the area, and there is no longer any crowd thereI have no words to express my griefAll our wings are working togetherRight now, our top priority is to provide proper treatment and ensure the recovery of the 25 injured individualsOut of the 17 deceased, 6 have been identified, and we are making arrangements to bring their families.
I appeal to the entire state that this is a sorrowful event, and we will fulfill all our responsibilitiesPlease do not panicI would also like to request the puja committees that if there were any lapses on your part—such as sudden rain or overcrowding, since many have created theme pujas—please be prepared so that such incidents do not recurI urge the entire state to stand by the grieving familiesThere will be a fact-finding inquiry; you can rest assured of thatWe will investigate the facts and find out why this mishap occurredTomorrow, our Home Minister and all other ministers have cancelled all their scheduled programs.”
PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for families
The Prime Minister’s office announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injuredCalling the stampede “extremely distressing”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X saying, “My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved onesMay the injured recover at the earliestThe local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Condoles Deaths:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences over the tragedy in a post on XHe said he had spoken to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the incident and prayed for the victims and their families.
“I have spoken with Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari ji regarding this matterI pray for the peace of the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this tragedy and express my condolences to their families,” Shah said.
Kolkata Police confirms incident at exit gate, pandal closed
Kolkata Police said the incident took place at around 7:40 pm on October 17 at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, which falls under Girish Park police stationIn a statement, the police said heavy crowding during rainfall led to the stampede.
Authorities said all injured people were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH)Police reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, Disaster Management Group teams and ambulances with medical staff were sent to the locationThe pandal has since been closed to visitors as authorities assess the situation.
