The festive spirit of Durga Puja in North Kolkata was marred by a devastating tragedy on Saturday. A horrific stampede broke out at the popular Chorbagan Sarbojonin community Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street, resulting in the loss of 17 lives and leaving 25 others seriously injured. Business Promotion24 brings you the latest updates on the government’s response and the relief measures announced for the victims.
### PM Narendra Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and moved quickly to announce financial assistance for those affected. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister described the stampede in Kolkata as “saddening” and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
As part of the immediate relief measures, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person. Furthermore, those who sustained serious injuries in the stampede will receive Rs 50,000 to assist with their medical expenses. “Wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that the West Bengal government is also providing all possible help to the affected families.
### National Leaders Express Grief
President Droupadi Murmu also shared her condolences, describing the news as “extremely heartbreaking.” She prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and expressed her deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan echoed these sentiments, stating he was “deeply anguished” by the tragic event.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken immediate action following the news. He has postponed all his scheduled Durga Puja-related engagements in West Bengal for Sunday to visit the injured individuals in the hospital. Shah confirmed he is in touch with the local leadership regarding the relief efforts. “The administration is making arrangements for the best possible medical treatment for the injured,” Shah wrote on X, while also praying for the peace of the departed souls.
### State and Political Reactions
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi issued a statement through his office, mourning the loss of precious lives and praying for the families in this hour of grief. The news has resonated across the country, with leaders like Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressing their pain over such a tragedy occurring during a time of celebration.
Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted, “It is extremely painful that such darkness has descended upon the lives of many families during the time of festivities.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted that relief and rescue efforts are underway to ensure timely assistance to all those affected.
From the opposition, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to all party leaders and workers in the region to extend every possible assistance to the victims and their families during this difficult hour.
Business Promotion24 continues to monitor the situation. As the city of Kolkata mourns this tragic loss, the focus remains on providing the best medical care to the 25 injured individuals currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding crowd management and safety protocols at major festive gatherings.
