By Our Correspondent
KOLKATA: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said, “This is a tragic incident. 19 people have lost their lives, 17 of whom died on the spot… 25 people have been injured; 24 of them are out of danger, while one remains in critical condition. The government is making every possible effort. we are working even through the night, and we have also announced compensation. 13 members from the affected families met with me and expressed their trust in the government.
The Union Home Minister’s scheduled programs have been cancelled. We stand with all the affected families. The families of the deceased will receive a compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job. The government will cover the entire cost of medical treatment for the injured, and they will also be provided with compensation of Rs 5 lakh each. I will write to the Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court requesting the formation of a ‘fact-finding committee.’ This committee will include the STF and forensic teams… and we will conduct an investigation accordingly.”
West Bengal CM Adhikari says, “Everyone is well aware of the role of the previous government in similar incidents that occurred in the past. Some are attempting to politicize this, but it will be to no avail. I have met with the families of the deceased, and they have explicitly stated that they have full faith in the Chief Minister and the government… The PMO also requested a report from the Chief Secretary, which we have submitted. The Prime Minister has announced relief and compensation. The central and state governments are working together on this…”
He also says, “In 2025, two more incidents occurred—during the Puja season, 13 people lost their lives due to electrocution amidst the rains. What was the Chief Minister’s role? Did she visit any of the affected families? A sudden, devastating flood struck North Bengal; 100 people perished, from the hills of Darjeeling to Nagrakata…”
West Bengal CM Adhikari tweets, “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Puja pandal at North Kolkata today. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident. The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, CP & Senior Officials are with me, we are continuously monitoring the situation. Cabinet Colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Samik Bhattacharya accompanied me when I personally visited the injured at the Hospital. We are continuously taking stock of ground operations… The State Government has announced Rs. 25 lakhs and Govt Jobs as compensation for the victims’ families and we will be taking steps for constituting a STF under a Sitting Judge for fair investigation. Praying for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured. The Emergency Toll-Free Helpline number: 1800 345 5678 has been activated for People in distress.”
West Bengal CM Adhikari says, “At around 7.30 PM, a tragic incident occurred at a popular puja in Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin. In this tragic incident, 19 people have died so far, most of whom are girls and children. This is a very painful incident, and 25 people have also sustained injuries; their treatment is ongoing. 24 of them are out of danger, while one is critical. We are providing the best possible medical treatment. Following this incident, I immediately came to the Medical College along with the entire government administration… The place of occurrence has been sealed.
The forensic team, STF, and fire brigade are conducting the initial investigation there. This happened partly due to the rain, and there were also some shortcomings in the arrangements made by the puja committee inside. The Kolkata Police AFS is studying the CCTV footage. Whoever is found negligent will face legal action. The Prime Minister has been informed about this. The Home Minister is himself in Kolkata, and is personally monitoring the situation. Tomorrow, the Home Minister’s and all our programs have been cancelled.Across the entire state, 58,000 pujas are taking place, and we are taking steps to ensure no such incident happens anywhere else.
Initially, we have declared compensation of Rs 25 lakh from the state government and a job for every family that lost a loved one. For all the injured, the full responsibility for their medical treatment has been taken by the state government, and we will provide Rs 5 lakh as compensation to each of them. So far, I have personally met with 10 bereaved families. Even though it is midnight, I am still standing with the victim families, alongside ministers, MLAs, the police, and the Chief Secretary. Under the leadership of a sitting judge of the Kolkata High Court, we will form a fact-finding committee, and the government will take action based on its recommendations.”
