KOLKATA, OCT 17: A devastating stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata claimed at least 17 lives and left 25 people injured on Saturday evening, turning the festive atmosphere into tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and those injured.
The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. at the Durga Puja pandal in the Girish Park police station area as a large number of devotees gathered to participate in the celebrations. Heavy rain prompted people waiting outside to rush towards the pandal, triggering a sudden surge of people near the exit gate. The resulting crush left several devotees trapped and injured.
The injured were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where 17 people were declared brought dead, according to reports. Emergency response teams, including Kolkata Police, fire services, disaster management personnel and medical teams, were deployed to assist victims and manage the situation. Authorities subsequently closed the pandal to visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “extremely distressing” and extended condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and said the local administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
As part of the relief measures, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Those injured in the incident will receive ₹50,000 each.
Senior state government officials visited the hospital to assess the situation and review arrangements for the treatment of the injured. Emergency personnel continued to coordinate rescue and medical assistance following the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the stampede, including crowd movement and arrangements at the pandal, are expected to be examined as part of the inquiry into the tragedy.
The incident has once again highlighted the serious risks associated with overcrowding at major religious gatherings, particularly when adverse weather conditions prompt sudden movements of large crowds.
As families mourn the victims and the injured receive medical care, the immediate priority remains ensuring adequate treatment for those affected and establishing the circumstances that led to the deadly crowd surge.
