Stampede Triggers

At least 19 people died after a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday.

Government Compensation

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced Rs 25 lakh and a government job for families of those killed.

Prime Minister's Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the stampede as 'extremely distressing' and announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for next of kin.

“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”

Police Investigation

Police detained puja committee members and security agencies after preliminary reports suggested an announcement and whistles triggered panic.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses said continuous rain and reluctance to leave the site caused overcrowding and crowd control issues.

“This tragic incident occurred due to continuous rainfall. There was an excessive crowd here, and they did not want to get out in the rain.”

Additional Closures

Police shut Suruchi Sangha and Chetla Agrani pandals as a precaution after the stampede.

Injured Support

Local residents, police, civil volunteers, and the MLA coordinated medical treatment for injured at Calcutta Medical College Hospital.

“We are local residents. When we heard about this incident, we immediately came here. The police administration had full arrangements here, and they fully cooperated.”