Kolkata Stampede: 25 Lakh Compensation And Government Job Announced By CM; High-Level Committee Formed

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the formation of a high-level committee to review security arrangements at major Durga Puja pandals across the state. Also, the government will provide 25 lakh rupees and a Group D government job to the families of those who lost their lives. This step comes in the wake of a stampede that occurred on Saturday at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and leaving 35 others injured. Following the incident, police detained 12 people on Saturday night, including the organizers of the Chorbagan Durga Puja. With heavy crowds expected during the remaining days of Durga Puja, authorities have been directed to remain completely vigilant and effectively control the crowd.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the committee will comprise Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department Rajesh Sinha, Director General of Fire Services Anuj Sharma, and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Javed Shamim. According to the instructions issued after the incident, this team will visit major puja pandals under the guidance of senior police officials and the DGP to inspect security arrangements and structural strength. The committee will review crowd management, exit routes, and structural safety at major puja venues while also suggesting comprehensive guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed deep grief and shock over the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan puja pandal in Kolkata, offering heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the horrific incident. He noted that the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, CP, and senior officials are with him, continuously monitoring the situation, while cabinet colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya was also present with him while visiting the injured at the hospital, as authorities continue to assess ground realities and ensure all necessary medical support is provided without any lapse.

As part of the relief measures, the state government has announced financial assistance of 25 lakh rupees and a government job for the families of the victims. Also, to ensure an impartial investigation, steps will be taken to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) under the supervision of a sitting judge. The Chief Minister prayed for the swift and complete recovery of all the injured individuals. For people facing emergencies, a toll-free helpline number 1800 345 5678 has been activated to provide immediate assistance and coordination.

Special directives have been issued for Durga Puja organizers. Organizers will be advised to limit rituals to the main sanctum sanctorum of the pandal, while if the complex structure of the pandal poses any security risk or obstructs the movement of people, LED screens should be used outside. The administration has emphasized maintaining wide exit routes, ensuring adequate lighting, and removing blockages caused by temporary rope enclosures to facilitate smooth evacuation during emergencies.

With massive crowds expected during the remaining days of Durga Puja, especially on Ashtami and Navami, officials have been instructed to stay completely alert and manage crowds effectively. These measures were initiated following the stampede at the Chorbagan pandal, where at least 19 people lost their lives and 35 others were injured due to a sudden surge of crowds amidst rain on Saturday evening, Maha Saptami day. The officials, who visited the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital where the victims were taken, reiterated that their government will provide 25 lakh rupees and a Group D government job to the family of each deceased person.