At least 19 people, including women and children, were killed in a stampede during a Durga Puja celebration in north Kolkata on Saturday evening.
On Saturday evening, at least 19 persons, including women and children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, confirmed the tragic incident. The stampede occurred around 7:40 pm as crowds gathered during rainfall, according to ANI, quoting the Kolkata Police. People waiting outside the pandal rushed inside for shelter due to the rain, which led to a sudden surge in the crowd. An announcement warning of potential pandal collapse and added confusion reportedly contributed to the rush, according to The Indian Express. The injured were treated at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital and other hospitals. Twelve individuals, including members of the organizing committee, private security personnel, and volunteers, have been detained for questioning by the police. Surveillance camera footage will be examined, and those responsible for crowd control failures will face action, as per ANI's report. Adhikari also announced that a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court would oversee a special investigation team probe into the incident. The pandal has since been closed to visitors and handed over to investigators and forensic teams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh in compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each family of the deceased, while injured individuals will receive Rs 50,000. West Bengal Chief Minister Adhikari announced Rs 25 lakh for each family of the deceased, along with a Group D government job for one family member. The state government will also provide Rs 5 lakh to each injured individual and cover their medical treatment costs.
Source:
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