PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for families of Kolkata Durga Puja stampede victims

On October 17, 2026, at least 17 individuals were reported to have died in a tragic stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. In response to this catastrophic incident, the Prime Minister's office announced that the families of the deceased would receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, while those who were injured would be compensated with Rs 50,000 each.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest sympathies for those who lost loved ones, hoping that the injured would recover as soon as possible. The local administration pledged to provide all possible assistance to those affected by the tragedy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his condolences, speaking with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari about the incident and praying for the peace of the departed souls and the well-being of their families. He further announced that he would be visiting the hospital to meet the injured.