Stories
17 Dead in Chorbagan Stampede, Chief Minister Announces Fact-Finding Inquiry
- •A tragic stampede during Saptami evening at Chorbagan Sarbojonin puja left 17 people dead and 25 injured due to heavy crowds and rain.
- •The Chief Minister immediately visited the hospital to check on the injured and assured full support and advanced medical treatment for the victims' families.
- •A transparent fact-finding investigation has been promised to determine the exact cause of the accident.
- •The puja marquee has been temporarily closed as police, fire department, and forensic teams investigate the incident.
Key Questions Answered
The stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin puja pandal occurred on Saptami evening due to a massive crowd gathered to see the idol amid pouring rain, an exit path being closed, and panic triggered by announcements and whistling from a private security agency.
The tragic incident resulted in 17 deaths, with 6 of the deceased individuals identified, while between 25 and 35 people sustained injuries and were rushed to the Medical College.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person, and Rs. 50,000 for those injured. Additionally, the West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline number (18003455678) to provide information regarding the disaster.
