Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: PM Modi announces ex gratia as central support mobilised

At least 17 people have died and dozens more were injured after a stampede and partial structural failure broke out at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy, describing it as extremely distressing, and immediately announced central financial assistance to support affected families.

Under the directive of the Prime Minister, an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund will be given to the next of kin of each person who lost their life, while ₹50,000 has been sanctioned for each injured victim. The Prime Minister's Office stated that local administration and central agencies are working in tandem to ensure all possible support reaches those affected.

Central relief and emergency support

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in West Bengal, cancelled his scheduled programmes for Sunday to personally oversee relief efforts and visit injured citizens receiving emergency care. In a statement on X, the Home Minister confirmed he spoke with administrative officials to ensure that the best possible medical treatment is provided immediately.

Rain sparks crowd surge in narrow access lane

The incident took place when sudden torrential rain struck North Kolkata on Saturday evening. Thousands of devotees waiting in a narrow access lane outside the Chorbagan pandal attempted to rush inside for shelter. The rapid influx of people created an intense crowd crush, which contributed to a partial failure of the structural framework near the entrance.

Police officers and civic volunteers moved quickly to manage the crowd, clear pathways, and evacuate the trapped visitors. The pandal was subsequently closed to prevent any further crowding.

Hospital mobilisation and safety review

Emergency services transported the injured to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, located roughly two kilometres from the site. Medical staff and trauma teams were deployed straight away, with administrative figures visiting the facility to review treatment arrangements for those in critical condition.

To prevent similar incidents during the ongoing festive celebrations, Kolkata Police and disaster management authorities have issued strict crowd control directives across all major pandals in the city. Teams are scanning CCTV footage and conducting thorough safety reviews to strengthen entrance protocols and guarantee public safety throughout the remaining festive period.