Kolkata puja pandal stampede: CM announces ₹25 lakh compensation, govt job for each victim’s family

The West Bengal government has announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job for the family of each person killed in the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement after visiting injured victims at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital.

Adhikari said each family that lost a member will receive ₹25 lakh in ex gratia assistance and a Group D government job. “The families of the deceased will receive compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job,” he said.

For those injured, the state government will provide ₹5 lakh each and bear the entire cost of their medical treatment. The chief minister said the injured would be free to choose their hospital for treatment.

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 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Each of the injured will be given financial assistance of ₹50,000.

SIT to probe stampede

The government will constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge to investigate the incident and establish accountability. Adhikari said the step was being taken to ensure a fair investigation into the tragedy.

A separate high-level committee will inspect major Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal. It will review crowd-management arrangements, exit routes, lighting and structural safety, according to the chief minister’s announcement.

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The state has also activated a toll-free helpline — 1800-345-5678 — for people seeking information about those affected by the stampede.

Adhikari said the government was making every possible effort to assist affected families and that he had personally met relatives of the deceased.

What Happened

The incident occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata during evening celebrations. Reports said a sudden crowd surge, compounded by rain and confusion around exit routes, triggered the deadly stampede.

At least 19 people died and 25 others were injured in the crowd surge at the pandal on Maha Saptami evening, amid heavy rain.

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The announcement came as the state grappled with the aftermath of one of the deadliest crowd-related disasters during this year’s Durga Puja festivities. The government has said it will take further steps based on the findings of the judicially supervised probe.