19 dead in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, several injured: rain, mismanagement, ‘Bhaipo’ and more; what we know so far | Today’s news

At least 19 people have reportedly died in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. The incident happened on Saptami evening. Heavy rain and growing crowds were reported before the tragedy.

Police said the incident took place around 7:40 pm near the exit gate of the pandal. Sarada Park Pandal comes under the jurisdiction of Girish Park Police Station. The police closed the pandal to visitors after the incident. They said the injured people were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

What caused the stampede?

The exact cause still remains unclear and authorities have promised an investigation. According to eyewitnesses, heavy rain started in north and central Kolkata that evening.

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There was a stampede at Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal on Saptami evening. According to the main report, at least 19 people died and several others were injured.

The incident took place around 7.40 pm near the exit gate of the pandal in the Girish Park police station area. It happened in heavy rain and a large crowd of people.

Authorities have not determined the exact cause and have ordered an investigation. Eyewitnesses said the rain and stampede prompted visitors waiting outside to rush into the pandal, leading to pushing and falls.

Rescue teams took the injured people to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and some were shifted to SSKM Hospital. The pandal was closed to visitors while emergency services responded.

The state government has announced ₹25 lakh for each family of the deceased person, Group D job for one family member and ₹5 lakh for each injured person to cover medical expenses. The Prime Minister also announced ₹2 lakh for each deceased relative and ₹50,000 for each injured person.

The roads soon faced severe traffic jams. Many visitors waiting outside reportedly rushed into the pandal to take cover. People pushed each other and several fell inside.

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Sources told Anandabazar Patrik that visitors were supposed to follow an elevated circular corridor to exit the Durga Puja pandal. They had to complete a full circle along this route. According to the publication, there was a stampede there. Paramedics said some people taken to hospitals were unconscious.

Pandal visitor Dipali Das said the crowd was growing even before the rain intensified. More people then entered, leading to a push and injuries, ABP said.

Another visitor, Saikat Banerjee, claimed that organizers, volunteers and police were absent. He said people pushed each other and shouted while many fell ill. Other eyewitnesses claimed that help did not arrive despite their calls.

Organizer Bikash Das said the reason for the incident was unclear. He said the immediate priority was to take the injured to hospitals. Police and fire brigades were on their way to the scene, he added.

Hospital sources told the publication that the injured people were being treated in the emergency observation unit. It was also reported that 11 people were shifted to SSKM Hospital. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda also reached the hospital.

Compensation

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital on Saturday evening with Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal. He personally assessed the situation and promised support to the bereaved families.

He ordered the club members to report to the police station. He said responsibility would be investigated and CCTV footage collected. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe was ordered.

Read also | At least 17 dead in stampede in Chorbagan

The BJP government in West Bengal declared a ₹25 thousand compensation to the families of each person killed in the Durga Puja stampede. One of the affected family members will get a Group D job. The government will cover all medical expenses for the injured. At the same time, they get the injured party ₹5 million compensation.

This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ₹2 lakh for each deceased next of kin. He also announced ₹50,000 in compensation for the injured and the grief shown. Amit Shah was scheduled to visit the injured on Sunday.

The state government has opened a toll free helpline 1800345678.

Connection Bhaipo

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has questioned the BJP’s reported links with the puja committee. The reports named BJP MLA Bijay Ojha as the chairman and Debadeep Adhikari as the organizer.

Debadeep is the Chief Minister’s nephew (bhaipo in Bengali). The term Bhaipo is significant in the recent Bengali political arena. BJP regularly targets Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee in its political campaigns.

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Mamata Banerjee’s party wrote on X: “Guess who is closely associated with Chorebagan Puja Pandal? BHAIPO Suvendu Adhikari. The Chairman of this Puja Committee also happens to be a BJP MLA! Where is the accountability? Who is responsible for all these deaths? When will the CM who clearly has NO TENT resign?!”

Political accusations brought the committee’s leadership under scrutiny.