Leaders Express Grief Over Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede

The stampede occurred amid heavy crowds at the Durga Puja pandal during rainfall. The injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment as authorities initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a post on X, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the tragedy and said relief and rescue operations were underway to assist those affected.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Chorbagan (West Bengal). My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safety of all those affected by this tragedy. Relief and rescue efforts are underway to ensure timely assistance to all those affected," he said.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he wrote on X.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin expressed grief over the loss of lives and prayed to Goddess Durga for peace for the departed souls and strength for the affected families.

In a post on X, Nabin said, "My heart is deeply pained by the tragic incident of loss of life due to the stampede at the Chorbagan Public Puja pandal in Kolkata. I pray to Maa Durga to grant peace to the departed souls, provide swift recovery to the injured, and bestow strength and solace upon the bereaved families to endure this immense sorrow. The administration is extending all possible assistance to those affected."

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the incident as heart-rending and offered his deepest condolences to the grieving families. He also prayed to Maa Durga to grant strength to those affected and ensure the speedy recovery of the injured.

"The news of the deaths of devotees in the stampede that occurred in the Durga Puja pandal at Chorbagan in Kolkata is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My deepest condolences go out to all the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. I pray to Maa Durga that she grants a place at her divine feet to the departed souls and bestows upon the grieving families the strength to bear this irreparable loss. At the same time, I wish for the swift recovery of the injured," he said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the people of Assam and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"The tragic stampede at Kolkata's Chorbagan Puja Pandal is deeply distressing and heartbreaking. On behalf of the people of Assam, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and Assam stands in solidarity with the people of West Bengal. I pray to Maa Durga for the swift recovery of the injured, and for strength and courage for the grieving families," he said on X.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence. He said the site had been sealed off for investigation and that forensic teams, the Special Task Force and the fire brigade were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Adhikari also announced that the state government would provide compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job to each family that lost a loved one. Every injured person would receive Rs 5 lakh, while the government would bear the medical expenses of those injured.

The incident has prompted expressions of grief and solidarity from political leaders across the country, as authorities continue relief efforts and investigate the circumstances that led to the stampede.