Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 17 feared dead; PM Modi, Amit Shah, Mamata express grief

NEW DELHI: At least 17 people were feared dead and 15 injured after a stampede-like incident at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, as heavy rain and a sudden rush of visitors triggered chaos near the exit gate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the incident.The incident took place at around 7:40 pm at the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal, where a surge of visitors near the exit gate reportedly triggered panic as rain continued to fall.Kolkata Police said all the injured had been rescued and taken to the hospital. Reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams, ambulances and medical staff were sent to the spot. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply distressed by the incident. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”The PMO also wrote, "The Prime Minister has announced that each relative of those who lost their lives in the stampede in Kolkata will be provided with a one-time financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Each of the injured will be given financial assistance of 50,000 rupees.The Prime Minister has announced that each relative of those who lost their lives in the stampede in Kolkata will be provided with a one-time financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Each of the injured will be given financial assistance of 50,000 rupees."President Droupadi Murmu also expressed sorrow over the reported deaths, describing the incident as “extremely heartbreaking”. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.Union home minister Amit Shah also expressed anguish over the incident and said he had spoken with West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.HM Shah wrote in a post on X, “I pray for the peace of the souls of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. The administration is making arrangements for the best possible medical treatment for the injured".Shah also said he would cancel all his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday to visit the injured in hospital.Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) supremo Mamata Banerjee said, “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.”Meanwhile, Governor RN Ravi also expressed his grief in a statement issued by Lok Bhavan. “I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital, while health minister Saradwat Mukherjee and other senior officials also reached the hospital to check on the injured.West Bengal minister Nisith Pramanik wrote, "Deeply saddened by the pandal collapse in Chorbagan. My thoughts are with those injured and their families during this difficult time. Our government is working tirelessly to ensure prompt medical care, immediate relief and every possible support for those affected. We stand firmly beside every affected family. Praying for the speedy recovery of all those injured."Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.