NEW DELHI: At least 17 died, and 15 were injured after a stampede-like situation errupted at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred around 7.40pm at the exit gate under Girish Park police station as heavy crowds gathered amid rainfall.Earlier, police had said that around 35 people were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for treatment.Following the incident, authorities have issued two helpline numbers through the Lalbazar Control Room for assistance related to the incident: 18003455678 and 03322141310.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the dead, while Rs 50,000 to be given to the injured victims of the pandal stampede.“The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the statement said.
What happened at the pandal?
According to police, the crowd surge occurred as rain began to fall on Saturday evening. People waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed forward, causing some to fall on the road and triggering a stampede-like situation.West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said that at least 17 people lost their lives and 15 were injured, according to news agency PTI.Earlier, in an official update, police said, “Today at around 7.40 pm, a stampede occurred at the exit gate of Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja Pandal, under Girish Park Police Station, due to heavy crowds of pandal hoppers amid rainfall. The Puja Pandal has now been closed to visitors. All injured persons were rescued and shifted to MCH for treatment. As per the information received so far, approximately 35 persons have been shifted to MCH.“
Administration response
West Bengal health minister Sharadwat Mukherjee visited the injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal also visited the hospital to meet those receiving treatment.Disaster management personnel were deployed at the site, police said. The pandal was closed to visitors following the incident.
Leaders’ reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concerns over the distressing situation. He extended his thoughts and prayers to the kins and victims who lost their lives, while wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
“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. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM Narendra Modi,” the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office read.West Bengal governor RN Ravi expressed grief over the incident in a post shared by his office on X.“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. – Governor Ravi”Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also said she was deeply shocked by the incident at the Chorbagan puja pandal.“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chorbagan puja pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time,” she said
