Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede: 17 dead, 15 injured; PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured

Seventeen people died and 15 were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, according to PTI. The incident occurred after rain prompted people waiting outside the pandal to rush inside, triggering a stampede-like situation. The injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment, according to ANI. An eyewitness said several people lost consciousness amid the massive crowd, with some being taken away on motorcycles.

“Many people lost consciousness; some were being taken on motorcycles. I witnessed this happening all around. When people fainted, they were taken away on bikes. All of this took place, and there was a massive crowd as well,” the eyewitness said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the incident. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each, according to the announcement.


West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the injured admitted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the incident in a post on X.

"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time," she wrote.

West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi also expressed condolences over the incident, mourning the loss of lives and praying for the recovery of those injured.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured,” Ravi said.

Following the incident, the West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline for people seeking information related to the accident. The government urged people to call 18003455678 for assistance.

Further details about the incident are awaited.

Kunal Ghosh urges authorities to prioritise treatment of injured

Reacting to the incident, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh described it as unfortunate and urged the authorities to prioritise the treatment of the injured.

"At the Chorbagan puja in North Kolkata, there has been a most unfortunate incident. The devotees who were there, some are now being brought to the Medical College. Our clear stand is that why it happened and how it happened will be known later, but first we need to save the people. And those who are seriously injured need treatment. Right now, we have a request to the police administration, and our workers are cooperating. Doctors and related staff at the Medical College should be increased immediately, quickly," Ghosh said.