Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: The death toll from the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal near Chittaranjan Avenue in north Kolkata has risen to 19, with several others injured. The incident occurred around 7.40 pm in the Girish Park police station area on Saturday amid heavy crowds and rainfall. Police have detained several people, including members of the puja organising committee, for questioning.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh and a government Group D job for the family of each deceased person, along with Rs 5 lakh for each injured person. The state government will also bear the entire cost of treatment for the injured. CM Adhikari stated that a transparent investigation would be conducted into the stampede and announced that the state government would write to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court seeking the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under a sitting judge.
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- Visuals from the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where a stampede occured on Saturday evening.
- As per reports, investigators are examining CCTV footage to determine whether lapses in crowd management or security contributed to the tragedy. Police have detained 12 people, including puja organisers, for questioning.
- At least 19 people have died in the stampede according to the figures provided by the state government.
- Several people were injured, with reports varying on the number. One injured person was reported to be in critical condition. Eleven injured people were referred to SSKM Hospital, while others have been taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
- Preliminary accounts suggest that a sudden increase in crowd movement following an announcement by the organisers and whistles blown by private security personnel may have contributed to the chaos.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the incident, with the Prime Minister announcing ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
- Eyewitnesses also said the pandal featured a circular elevated corridor designed around a 360-degree viewing concept. Initial accounts suggest that crowd pressure may have intensified in this passage. The exact cause remains under investigation.
- Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with several people collapsing and others being transported on motorcycles. Some alleged that police and security personnel did not provide assistance promptly.
- Union Home Minister Amir Shah also expressed grief over the tragedy. After arriving in Kolkata on Saturday night, he postponed his scheduled engagements for Sunday and was expected to visit the injured in hospital.
- Darshan was suspended following the incident. The pandal lights were switched off, and entry and exit routes were closed to visitors.