Key Takeaways
- A stampede at Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga puja pandal killed 17 and injured 25.
- PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of โน2 lakh for the deceased and โน50,000 for the injured.
- The government has promised to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
What happened in Kolkata
A stampede-like situation erupted at North Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga puja pandal on Saturday evening during rain, leaving 17 people dead and 25 injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of โน2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and โน50,000 to those injured.
Who is affected by the tragedy
The victims' families will receive an ex gratia of โน2 lakh, while the injured will receive โน50,000.
Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visited the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital where the injured were taken, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has postponed his scheduled programmes to visit the victims in the hospital.
How did the stampede happen
An announcement by the organisers of the Durga puja community of Chittaranjan Avenue led to a rush among the visitors, prompting the stampede as many fell on the path.
As it began raining in parts of North Kolkata on Saturday evening, the crowd waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed in, causing the stampede.
By the numbers
- 17 people dead
- 25 people injured
- 1 child among the deceased
- โน2 lakh ex gratia for each deceased person's family
- โน50,000 ex gratia for each injured person
What the government is doing
PM Modi has announced an ex gratia for the victims' families, while Amit Shah has postponed his scheduled programmes to visit the victims in the hospital.
President Droupadi Murmu has extended her condolences to the bereaved families, and the West Bengal government has issued helpline numbers to assist people affected by the accident.
Helpline numbers for the affected
The West Bengal government has issued helpline numbers 18003455678 and 03322141310 to assist people who are affected or seeking information related to the accident.
Reactions from leaders
PM Modi shared on X, 'The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.'
Amit Shah wrote on X, 'I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari about this matter.'
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Investigation and aftermath
The cause of the stampede is being investigated, and the government has promised to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The tragedy has raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures during large festivals like Durga Puja.
Crowd management and safety concerns
The incident highlights the need for better crowd management and safety measures during large festivals like Durga Puja.
The government and festival organizers must work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
Impact on the community
The tragedy has had a significant impact on the community, with many people expressing shock and sadness at the loss of life.
The community is coming together to support the victims' families and to demand better safety measures for future festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Chorbagan Durga puja pandal?
A stampede-like situation erupted, killing 17 and injuring 25.
What is the government doing to help the victims?
PM Modi has announced an ex-gratia for the victims' families, and the West Bengal government has issued helpline numbers to assist people affected by the accident.
What is being done to prevent such incidents in the future?
The government has promised to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future, including improving crowd management and safety measures during large festivals like Durga Puja.
