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Kolkata Stampede Triggers Probe After 19 Dead at Durga Puja Pandal
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News18•18-10-2026, 11:59
Kolkata Stampede Triggers Probe After 19 Dead at Durga Puja Pandal
- •At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in a deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata during heavy rain and a massive devotee rush.
- •Chief Minister Suvendu Adhuri announced a Special Investigation Team headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge to probe safety and crowd-management lapses.
- •The West Bengal government announced compensation of 25 lakh rupees and a government job for one family member of each deceased victim, plus 5 lakh rupees for the injured.
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia assistance from the PM National Relief Fund as police detained members of the Puja organizing committee for questioning.
Key Questions Answered
The stampede occurred on Saturday evening at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata amid heavy rain and a massive rush of devotees, leading to crowding and confusion near the exit.
The West Bengal government announced ₹25 lakh and a government job for one family member of each deceased victim, along with ₹5 lakh and medical expense coverage for each injured person.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge to examine crowd-management and safety lapses, while police have detained and arrested individuals linked to the organizing committee and security.
