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Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede Claims 17 Lives Amidst Crowds and Rain
A stampede at a prominent Durga Puja pandal in central Kolkata resulted in at least 17 fatalities, including 13 women and one child, following a misleading announcement and heavy crowds.
At least 17 individuals have died in a stampede at a prominent Durga Puja pandal in central Kolkata, West Bengal, on Saturday evening. The fatalities include 13 women and one child, with several others reported injured during the incident at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity puja pandal.
The stampede occurred during peak hours, a time when the pandal was experiencing a significant influx of visitors. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that a misleading announcement made at the puja pandal contributed to the chaotic situation. Reports also indicated that swelling crowds, exacerbated by rain, worsened the circumstances.
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident. He announced an interim compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her shock and grief regarding the event.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), through a post on social media platform X, alleged poor crowd management at the Chorebagan Puja Pandal. Eyewitnesses and local residents reportedly observed a minimal police presence for crowd control, according to the TMC's statement. In the wake of the incident, other Durga Puja pandals in the city that were experiencing heavy rush were subsequently closed to prevent further overcrowding.
The Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity puja is a well-known and highly frequented celebration in Kolkata, drawing large numbers of devotees and visitors during the annual Durga Puja festivities.
Reporting by the The Indian Morning Post Editorial Desk.
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