From mint · Sounak Mukhopadhyay · · 1m 50s
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead, Rain, Mismanagement
At least 19 die in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede as rain and crowd chaos trigger deadly crush.
In brief
At least 19 die in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede as rain and crowd chaos trigger deadly crush. Heavy rain and overcrowding at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal caused a stampede killing at least 19 people, with state and central governments announcing compensation for victims. Originally reported by mint.
Stampede Death Toll
At least 19 people reportedly died in a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal on Saptami evening.
Time and Location
The incident happened around 7:40 PM near the pandal’s exit gate in Girish Park police station area.
Weather and Crowds
Heavy rain and growing crowds were reported before the tragedy, causing visitors to rush into the pandal.
Immediate Response
Police closed the pandal to visitors after the incident and rescued injured people to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
Eyewitness Accounts
Visitors said heavy rain intensified before more people entered, leading to pushing and injuries.
Organiser and Police Absence
Organisers and police were absent, causing visitors to push each other and shout while falling ill.
Compensation Details
The state government announced ₹25 lakh for each deceased family, a Group D job for one family member, and ₹5 lakh for each injured person.
Central Government Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh for each deceased person’s next of kin and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
Bhaipo Political Allegations
The Trinamool Congress questioned BJP links, noting chief minister’s nephew Debadeep Adhikari as the puja committee chairman.
Political Impact
Mamata Banerjee’s party accused the chief minister of having no shame and demanded his resignation.
Investigation Ordered
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the incident and CCTV footage.
The main idea
Heavy rain and overcrowding at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal caused a stampede killing at least 19 people, with state and central governments announcing compensation for victims.
