PM announces ₹2 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured
NEW DELHI, October 18, 2026 — President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent political leaders have expressed grief over a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that claimed several lives and left others injured.
The incident occurred at around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, under the Girish Park Police Station area. According to Kolkata Police, heavy crowds of visitors, combined with rain, contributed to the incident. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
President Murmu expressed her condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The news of the deaths of people in a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata is extremely heartbreaking,” she said, extending her deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
Vice President Radhakrishnan also expressed anguish over the tragedy, conveying his sympathies to those who lost loved ones and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described the loss of lives and injuries among devotees as deeply distressing. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed souls and a swift recovery for those receiving treatment.
PM Modi Announces Financial Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for those affected by the tragedy.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the next of kin of each deceased person will receive ₹2 lakh, while those injured will receive ₹50,000.
In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister described the stampede as extremely distressing and expressed solidarity with the families who lost loved ones. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and said the local administration was providing assistance to those affected.
Amit Shah Postpones West Bengal Programmes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the reported casualties and said he had spoken with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari about the incident.
Shah said the administration was arranging medical treatment for the injured. He also announced that he would postpone his scheduled programmes in West Bengal for Sunday, October 18, to visit the injured in hospital.
He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment.
Other Leaders Extend Condolences
BJP leader Smriti Irani expressed sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones and praying for strength for those grieving, along with a speedy recovery for the injured.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed his condolences, praying for peace for the departed souls, strength for the bereaved families and recovery for those injured.
West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi expressed heartbreak over the loss of lives, extending his sympathies to the affected families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
The tragedy occurred amid heavy crowds visiting the Durga Puja pandal during the festive period. Police attributed the incident to a heavy rush of visitors at the exit gate amid rainfall.
Authorities are providing assistance to those affected by the incident.
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