19 killed , 25 injured in stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal; Seven arrested
The incident occurred around 7.40 pm at the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal, under the jurisdiction of Girish Park police station, when heavy rain reportedly triggered a sudden rush of people near the exit gate.
A section of the pandal structure also reportedly collapsed under the pressure of the crowd, worsening the situation.
The injured were shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment, while the pandal was closed to visitors following the incident.
Kolkata Police said seven people, including the secretary and vice-president of the Chorbagan Sarbajanin Durga Puja committee, had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Two security in-charges and a person responsible for construction work were also among those arrested.
Police have registered a suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who visited the state-run hospital where the injured were undergoing treatment, announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job to the family of each deceased person.
He said 19 people had died and 25 were undergoing treatment.
The West Bengal government has established a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, to provide information regarding the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “extremely distressing” and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 50,000 to each injured person.
He said the local administration was extending all possible assistance to those affected.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed sadness over the tragedy in a post on X, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
