Guwahati: A stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed at least 18 people and injured 25 others on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7 pm amid heavy rain and lightning.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where the injured were receiving treatment.
He said one of them was in critical condition and six of those who died had been identified. Arrangements were underway to bring their relatives to the hospital.
Adhikari said an announcement by the organisers of the community puja at Chorbagan, off Chittaranjan Avenue, triggered a rush among visitors.
A senior police officer said people waiting outside the pandal surged forward when rain began, causing some to fall onto the road and triggering the stampede.
Members of the organising club, private security guards and personnel on duty were detained, Adhikari said. Some visitors alleged that inadequate safety arrangements by Kolkata Police had contributed to the incident.
The chief minister said the incident would be investigated and further action taken. The administration also asked several popular theme-based Durga Puja organisers to close their pandals temporarily.
A toll-free helpline, 18003455678, was set up by the West Bengal government for queries related to the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he had spoken to Adhikari about the stampede and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. He cancelled his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday and was due to visit the hospital to meet the injured.