17 dead in Kolkata Durga puja stampede: PM Modi announces ex gratia that Amit Shah will visit hospital; check the best updates here | Today’s news
A stampede-like situation broke out at the Chorbagan Durga puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening during the rain. At least 17 people died, including a child, while 25 others were injured, according to the latest update. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ex-gratia ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 injured.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia of ₹2 million after 17 dead in Kolkata pandal
PM Modi shared on X: “The speed in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injuries be healed as soon as possible. The local administration is providing all possible help to those affected.”
“The prime minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2,000 from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would get Rs 50,000,” it added.
CM Suvendu Adhikari reached the hospital
Meanwhile, Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital where the injured were taken. Adhikari said one remains in critical condition.
“Seventeen people have been brought dead to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 others are injured,” Adhikari said, according to PTI.
How the crush happened
Adhikari said the announcement by community organizers of the Durga puja at Chittaranjan Avenue led to a rush among visitors, triggering a “painful incident”.
When it started raining in parts of North Kolkata on Saturday evening, a crowd waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed inside, causing a stampede as many fell on the road, a police officer told a news agency.
Amit Shah postpones programmes
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently in the city, postponed the planned programs to visit the victims at the hospital.
Shah wrote on X: “I have just received extremely disturbing news of multiple casualties following the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken to Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari about the matter. I pray for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and offer my deepest condolences for the best medical treatment for the bereaved.”
“I am postponing all my scheduled programs in West Bengal tomorrow to visit the injured in the hospital. I am praying to Ma Durga for speedy recovery of all the injured,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu offers condolences
President Droupadi Murmu also shared a post, “The news of the death of people at the Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata is extremely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Kolkata Chorbagan Rush Helpline Numbers
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has released helpline numbers 18003455678 and 03322141310 to help people who are affected or seeking information related to the accident.
