19 Killed in Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede; Probe Ordered, Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia

At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. Following heavy rainfall, devotees in narrow queues rushed towards the pandal for shelter, leading to overcrowding and the subsequent tragedy. Authorities confirmed that 24 of the 25 injured persons are now out of danger and receiving treatment at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. A compensation of 25 lakh rupees and government jobs have been announced for the families of the deceased, alongside five lakh rupees for each injured person, with the state bearing all medical expenses. A comprehensive investigation is underway involving the Kolkata Police, forensic teams, and state disaster personnel, with a request to the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to oversee the probe. Both state and central authorities are coordinating relief efforts, while political events in the state have been cancelled in the wake of the incident.