Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede Updates: 17 Dead, Several Injured

A deadly stampede occurred at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday night, resulting in at least 17 fatalities, according to initial reports. A large gathering of people had congregated at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav pandal when a brief shower of rain prompted them to seek shelter at the exit gate. Unfortunately, the stampede ensued, claiming the lives of many, particularly women and children.

Injured individuals were promptly transported to Medical College Hospital in Kolkata for treatment. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, along with State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee, arrived at the hospital to offer assistance. Emergency responders, including firefighters and a disaster management team, were dispatched to the site to conduct rescue operations.

The Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), Kunal Agarwal, visited the location and is expected to follow up with the injured at the hospital. The Kolkata police have provided helpline numbers for those seeking help. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the incident and called for immediate rescue, medical support, compensation for the affected families, and a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and affirmed that the administration would provide all necessary medical assistance to the injured.