The death toll from the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin community Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata rose to 19 on Sunday, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing compensation and jobs for the families of those killed.
Speaking to reporters, CM Adhikari said 17 people died at the scene, and 25 were injured. Of the injured, 24 were out of danger, while one remained in critical condition.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government would provide Rs 25 lakh in compensation and a job to each family that lost a member. He said he had met 13 bereaved families individually and assured them of government support.
CM Adhikari added that the government would cover the full medical expenses of every injured person and provide Rs 5 lakh in compensation to each of them. He further visited Calcutta Medical College to assess the condition of those receiving treatment. He was accompanied by the BJP state president and party members of the Rajya Sabha.
The Chief Minister urged Durga Puja organisers across West Bengal to strengthen safety measures and crowd management.
Noting that the state hosts 58,000 Puja celebrations, CM Adhikari stressed that organisers must follow police and fire brigade instructions on lighting, entry and exit points, and overall safety.
The stampede occurred on Saturday at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street after part of the exit gate structure collapsed, triggering panic among visitors.
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