West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that 19 people died in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, with 17 fatalities occurring at the scene. At least 25 individuals were injured, one of whom remains in critical condition.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the site on October 18, Adhikari stated that the state government is making every effort to assist bereaved families and provide proper medical treatment to the injured. “This is a tragic incident. 19 people have lost their lives, 17 of whom died on the spot. 25 people have been injured; 24 of them are out of danger, while one remains in critical condition. The government is making every possible effort. We are working even through the night, and we have also announced compensation,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that three members from affected families have expressed their trust in the government.
Adhikari announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh and government employment for the families of the deceased. Those injured will receive Rs 5 lakh each, and all medical costs for treatment will be covered by the state government.
He also stated, “The Union Home Minister’s scheduled programmes have been cancelled. We stand with all the affected families. The families of the deceased will receive compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job. The government will cover the entire cost of medical treatment for the injured, and they will also be provided with compensation of Rs 5 lakh each.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the Medical College at 11 AM on October 18.
Adhikari said he will write to the Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court to request the formation of a ‘fact-finding committee’ to investigate the incident. “This committee will include the STF and forensic teams, and we will conduct an investigation accordingly,” he added.
The Chief Minister criticised former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s response to similar incidents during the 2025 Durga Puja festivities, noting that 13 people died then due to electrocution during rain. He asked, “What was the Chief Minister’s role? Did she visit any of the affected families? A sudden, devastating flood struck North Bengal; 100 people perished, from the hills of Darjeeling to Nagrakata.” He also emphasised that the families of the deceased have placed their trust in him and the current government.
Adhikari reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested a detailed report from the Chief Secretary about the incident, alongside announcing relief and compensation for the affected families. He said, “Everyone is well aware of the role of the previous government in similar incidents that occurred in the past. Some are attempting to politicise this, but it will be to no avail. I have met with the families of the deceased, and they have explicitly stated that they have full faith in the Chief Minister and the government. The PMO also requested a report from the Chief Secretary, which we have submitted. The Prime Minister has announced relief and compensation. The central and state governments are working together on this.”
In light of the stampede, Durga Puja organisers in Siliguri have increased safety measures ahead of the festivities. These include deploying more volunteers, continuous public announcements, and enhanced police presence to manage crowds and ensure the safety of devotees and visitors.
The stampede occurred amid heavy crowds at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. Injured individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment, while authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
