Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Kills 17 People

A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata killed 17 people, including one child, and injured 25 others on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. in the Girish Park police station area when rainfall prompted crowds waiting outside to rush into the pandal following an announcement by organizers.

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, described the event as "extremely distressing" and announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his scheduled programs in West Bengal for Sunday to visit the injured at the hospital. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Governor RN Ravi also visited the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where victims were treated. Adhikari noted that one person remained in critical condition.

President Droupadi Murmu and Governor RN Ravi issued statements of condolence to the bereaved families. The Government of West Bengal has established helpline numbers to assist those affected by the tragedy.