A heartbreaking incident at the Durga Puja pandal located in Kolkata resulted in the loss of 19 lives and injuries to 25 others. This incident occurred during the Durga festival celebrations in North Kolkata, and the injured were transferred to Kolkata Medical College.
Actions by the West Bengal Government
The West Bengal government announced that it would provide compensation of 25 lakh rupees (approximately $3,000) to the families of the victims and also allocate jobs for each of the families. Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of the state, along with other senior officials including the Secretary General, Home Minister, Police Chief, and Police Commissioner, are closely monitoring the situation.
Chief Minister Adhikari stated: "This is a tragic incident. 19 people have lost their lives, and 25 others are injured. 24 of the injured are in stable condition, while one is in critical condition. The government is making every effort to provide assistance to the affected families and ensure proper treatment for the injured."
Special Investigation
Simultaneously with this incident, the Special Task Force (STF) has begun its investigation to identify those responsible and examine the circumstances of the incident. This investigation aims to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, also expressed his condolences regarding the incident and extended his sympathies to the grieving families. He wrote in a message: "I am deeply saddened by the incident in Kolkata. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured."
The state government has also announced a helpline number 1800 345 5678 to provide assistance to those in need. This initiative is aimed at facilitating communication and addressing the concerns of the victims and their families.
This incident occurred during the Durga festival, one of the largest religious festivals in India, which attracts millions of participants each year. The occurrence of such incidents among large crowds can have serious consequences and highlights the need for enhanced security measures.
