19 Dead in Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede; CM Announces ₹25 Lakh Compensation and Government Job

At least 19 people, mostly children and girls, died and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening during Maha Saptami celebrations. The tragedy occurred around 7:30 PM following a crowd surge amid rain. Victims were rushed to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital and announced immediate relief measures. Each deceased's family will receive ₹25 lakh in compensation and a Group D government job. The injured will each receive ₹5 lakh, with all treatment costs borne by the government regardless of which hospital they choose.

Adhikari ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court to probe the incident. The SIT will comprise members from the STF, CID, and other departments. The government will approach the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to depute a sitting judge for the investigation. Family members of nine deceased have reached the hospital so far.