Political leaders across party lines expressed grief after a stampede at Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal left at least 17 people dead and several others injured on Saturday, 17 October.
Prime Minister , President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The tragedy unfolded amid heavy rain and overcrowding at the north pandal on Saptami, the seventh day of Durga Puja. Kolkata Police said at least 25 people were injured and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
PM Modi expressed sorrow over the in a post on X, extending condolences to families who had lost loved ones and wishing the injured an early recovery. He added that the local administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who died. Those injured will receive ₹50,000.
President described the deaths at the Durga Puja pandal as extremely heartbreaking. She conveyed her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.
Her message came as emergency services and hospital staff continued responding to the incident.
Union Home Minister expressed grief over the incident and said he had spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. He offered condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the injured to recover quickly.
Shah also postponed his scheduled programmes in West for Sunday, saying he would visit the hospital to meet those injured. He said the administration was ensuring that medical assistance was available to them.
Former West Bengal chief minister said she was deeply shocked and saddened by the stampede at the Chorbagan Puja pandal. In a post on X, she prayed to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of those injured and for their families to find strength and courage during the difficult period.
national president Nitin Nabin expressed anguish over the loss of lives, praying for peace for the deceased and a speedy recovery for those injured. He also said the administration was extending all possible assistance to those affected.
At least 17 people have been confirmed dead and 25 others injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, West Bengal Chief Minister said. The incident occurred around 7.40 PM amid heavy rain and a large crowd, when visitors rushed towards the pandal.
The injured were taken to and Hospital, while police, fire brigade personnel and disaster management teams were deployed for rescue operations. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors as authorities began investigating the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
