Kolkata Police have detained 12 people, including organisers, volunteers and others, for questioning over the stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata that claimed 19 lives.
A forensic team visited the site on Muktarambabu Street on Sunday to examine the scene. At least 25 injured people are receiving treatment at state hospitals, with one reportedly in critical condition.
The incident occurred after a large crowd gathered to view the idols. Tension followed the collapse of part of the pandal’s exit gate structure.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inspected the pandal around 1 AM after meeting the families of the deceased and injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
He announced Rs 25 lakh in compensation and a government job for each deceased person’s family. The government will also provide Rs 5 lakh to every injured person and cover their full medical expenses at a hospital of their choice.
Adhikari said a Special Investigation Team, headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge and comprising members from the STF, CID and other departments, would investigate the incident.
He also said authorities would examine CCTV footage and identify those responsible. The government has cancelled scheduled cultural and tourism programmes for the next two to three days, while religious worship will continue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and expressed condolences. President Droupadi Murmu also described the deaths as heartbreaking.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his Durga Puja engagements on Sunday and said he remained in contact with Adhikari.
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