India
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit those injured in the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Sunday, PTI reported. He has postponed all his scheduled programmes in West Bengal for October 18 following the incident.
Shah spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after learning about the stampede and expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
Heavy crowds caused a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening, leading Union Home Minister Amit Shah to postpone his visit to the injured and PM Modi to announce ex-gratia relief.
In a post on X, Shah wrote, “I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari about this matter. I pray for the peace of the souls of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. The administration is making arrangements for the best possible medical treatment for the injured.I am postponing all my scheduled programs in West Bengal tomorrow to visit the injured in the hospital. I pray to Ma Durga that all the injured individuals recover swiftly.”
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi also expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives,” Lok Bhavan said in a post on X. The Governor also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
West Bengal Minister Nisith Pramanik expressed sadness over the incident, assuring affected families of the government’s support.
In a post on X, Pramanik said the government was working to ensure prompt medical care and immediate relief for those affected. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was shocked and saddened by the stampede at the Chorbagan Puja pandal. She prayed for the recovery of the injured and strength for their families as they cope with the tragedy.
According to Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja pandal, which falls under the Girish Park police station limits, at around 7.40 pm on Saturday. Police attributed the incident to heavy crowds of pandal visitors amid rain.
With inputs from ANI
