Kolkata Durga Puja Tragedy: 19 Killed in Stampede, PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Aid
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead, 25 Injured; ₹25 Lakh Aid Announced: A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata has claimed 19 lives and left around 25 people injured. According to initial reports, sudden heavy rain prompted people to rush into the pandal for shelter. The crowd gathered near the exit gate, causing chaos and triggering the stampede.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered an investigation and announced compensation of ₹25 lakh for each deceased person’s family, along with a government job for one family member.
How Did the Stampede Occur?
Initial reports suggest that a sudden rush of people during the rain led to overcrowding near the pandal gates. Reports also indicate that loudspeaker announcements, whistle-blowing by private security personnel and narrow entry passages may have contributed to the chaos. The exact cause will be determined after the investigation.
CM Suvendu Adhikari visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to meet the injured. He said initial reports pointed to an announcement by the Puja organisers as a possible trigger. According to reports, organisers, private security personnel and officials on duty have been taken into custody.
Following the incident, authorities advised several crowded Durga Puja pandals to close temporarily. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders expressed their condolences.
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PM Modi Announces Compensation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as extremely tragic. He announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for every injured person. He also said the local administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
