Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Victims’ Families

At least 17 people are feared dead and several others injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for those injured.

Describing the incident as “extremely distressing”, Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“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,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that the financial assistance would be provided through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Amit Shah Speaks to West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the stampede and said he had spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari about the incident.

In a post on X, Shah prayed for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives and extended his condolences to their families. He added that the administration was providing all possible medical assistance to the injured.

Shah also announced that he had postponed his scheduled programmes in West Bengal for Sunday, October 18, and would visit the hospital to meet those injured in the incident.

“I pray to Maa Durga for the swift recovery of all the injured,” he said.

Administration Provides Assistance to Victims

The stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal prompted an emergency response from the authorities, with injured people being taken to hospitals for treatment.

Police personnel and senior officials rushed to the spot following the incident, while access to the pandal was restricted as a precautionary measure.

The West Bengal government also announced a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, to provide information related to the stampede.

The incident has raised concerns over crowd management and public safety at Kolkata’s major Durga Puja celebrations, which attract large numbers of devotees and visitors every year.