Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited injured survivors undergoing urgent treatment at a Kolkata hospital following a tragic stampede at the famous Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata. Law enforcement authorities have arrested seven individuals, including primary festival organizers, event management officials, and private security representatives, as investigations into severe crowd safety oversights intensify.
The disaster occurred when sudden heavy rainfall triggered mass panic among thousands of pandal hoppers waiting in narrow access lanes. As crowds rushed forward to seek shelter from the downpour, dozens of visitors slipped on slick pavement near the exit gates, causing a devastating crushing chain reaction that claimed nineteen lives and left twenty five others severely injured. Emergency rescue teams, local residents, and medical crews worked rapidly to clear damaged structures, lift trapped victims, and transport casualties to nearby hospital facilities.
Adjusting his official schedule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with injured citizens to review medical arrangements alongside attending healthcare specialists. Kolkata Police registered strict criminal cases under relevant legal sections, arresting committee secretary Raj Kumar Sewda and key organizers for failing to ensure adequate emergency pathways and crowd regulation measures. Government authorities have promised financial relief packages for affected families while ordering immediate safety audits across remaining festive venues throughout the region.
