BJP leader Locket Chatterjee tries to console the family of the deceased (Photo: Shrabana Chatterjee)
Kolkata: The West Bengal government have stepped up relief efforts following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday (October 18) evening. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, accompanied by senior government officials and party leaders, visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital to meet the injured and interact with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
According to the reports, at least 19 people, were killed and around 25 others injured when a sudden surge of devotees amid heavy rain led to a crush near the pandal’s narrow exit gate at approximately 7.40 pm.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reached Kolkata Medical College and Hospital after the injured were brought in for treatment. He was accompanied by Cabinet colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner, were also involved in monitoring the situation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister met injured devotees and the families of the deceased, assuring them that the government would extend assistance during the difficult period.
“Our immediate priority is providing medical care to the injured and extending every possible support to the affected families,” Adhikari said.
Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Puja pandal at North Kolkata today. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident.
The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, CP & Senior Officials are with me, we are continuously monitoring the situation. Cabinet Colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Samik Bhattacharya accompanied me when I personally visited the injured at the Hospital. We are continuously taking stock of ground operations.
Our immediate priority is providing immediate medical care to the injured and extending every possible support and assistance to the affected families.
As per reports, 17 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and 25 people are currently undergoing treatment. One person remains in critical condition under close observation.
The State Government has announced Rs. 25 lakhs and Govt Jobs as compensation for the victims’ families and we will be taking steps for constituting a STF under a Sitting Judge for fair investigation.
Praying for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured.
The Emergency Toll-Free Helpline number: 1800 345 5678 has been activated for People in distress.— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 17, 2026
The Chief Minister’s response, as outlined in the information provided, centres on ensuring that injured victims receive appropriate treatment while bereaved families are given financial assistance and access to government support.
The state government has announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job for the family of each person who died in the stampede. Injured victims are set to receive Rs 5 lakh each, according to the reports.
The government has also initiated steps towards constituting a Special Investigation Team under a sitting judge to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police have detained 12 people, including Puja organisers, for questioning as part of the ongoing inquiry. Further findings will be important in establishing responsibility and determining whether safety protocols were adequately implemented.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, describing it as “extremely distressing”.
According to the reports, the Prime Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
The Prime Minister also noted that the local administration was providing assistance to the affected people.
The stampede in Kolkata is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The West Bengal Government is providing all possible help to the affected families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Adhikari after learning about the stampede. He also expressed concern for the injured and extended support to the state leadership.
As stated in the supplied information, Shah postponed his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday to visit the hospital and meet those injured in the incident.
“The administration is ensuring that all possible medical facilities are being provided to the injured,” Shah said.
News Alert! Union Home Minister Amit Shah postpones scheduled programmes in West Bengal in wake of stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 17, 2026
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and peace for the departed souls. His proposed hospital visit is expected to provide an opportunity to assess the condition of survivors and interact with those affected by the tragedy.
VIDEO | Kolkata: Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed by CM Suvendu Adhikari upon his arrival at the airport.
Artists greet the Home Minister with traditional performances ahead of his visit to Durga Puja pandals.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/MNI82TyS69
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 17, 2026
BJP leader Locket Chatterjee also visited families affected by the stampede, offering condolences and attempting to comfort those who lost loved ones.
Chatterjee tried to console a mother who had lost her daughter. Overwhelmed by grief, the woman questioned the absence of police and expressed anguish over her child’s death at such a young age.
Chatterjee remained with the family and assured them that they would not be left to face the situation alone.
কলকাতায় পদপিষ্ট হয়ে প্রাণহানির মর্মান্তিক ঘটনায় গভীরভাবে মর্মাহত। যাঁরা তাঁদের প্রিয়জনকে হারিয়েছেন, তাঁদের এই অপূরণীয় ক্ষতির যন্ত্রণা ভাষায় প্রকাশ করা অসম্ভব। শোকসন্তপ্ত পরিবারগুলির প্রতি রইল আমার অশ্রুপূর্ণ সমবেদনা। আহতদের দ্রুত আরোগ্য কামনা করি।
এই গভীর শোকের মুহূর্তে ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত পরিবারগুলির পাশে রয়েছে পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকার। তাঁদের প্রয়োজনীয় সবরকম সহায়তা প্রদানে সরকার প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ।
— Locket Chatterjee (@me_locket) October 17, 2026
As families await further information, questions about the circumstances of the stampede and the adequacy of crowd-control arrangements remain central to the demand for accountability.
Local residents and volunteers, including RSS Swayamsevaks assisted in the initial rescue and relief operations at the site. They helped pull people out of the crowd and assist the injured before official emergency teams fully took over.
An emergency toll-free helpline, 1800 345 5678, has reportedly been activated to help people seeking assistance in connection with the incident.
Affected families and people requiring information should verify the helpline’s operational status through official government or police channels before relying on it.
The authorities response will also need to ensure that families can obtain timely information about injured victims, compensation procedures and the investigation.
With Durga Puja celebrations continuing across West Bengal, Adhikari has appealed to other Puja committees to exercise heightened vigilance and take additional precautions to prevent similar incident.
