Brief
MoS Tokhan Sahu urges no politicisation of Kolkata Durga Puja stampede
The minister praised the West Bengal chief minister’s response and outlined compensation and security measures.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said on Sunday that the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata should not be politicised, adding that the government stands with the victims' families.
What happened
The crush occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, killing 19 people and injuring 25, according to the minister’s remarks. Injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment while authorities launched an investigation.
What the reports add
News18’s agency feed noted that the West Bengal government announced a compensation package of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for each victim’s family, plus Rs 5 lakh for each injured person. The state also imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in parts of Kolkata for three days, restricting unlawful assemblies and the carrying of weapons.
What was said
"In the wake of such a tragic incident, we must all stand by those affected, out of a sense of humanity. No one should politicise this," Sahu told reporters, as cited by News18. He praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for announcing assistance and visiting the injured. Sahu also criticised opposition parties, saying they were attempting to mislead the public and create chaos, while affirming that the country’s security rests on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
How it came about
The stampede followed heavy crowds at the pandal’s exit gate amid rain, echoing earlier coverage by Felo News that reported 17 deaths and 35 injuries on October 17. Subsequent arrests of seven individuals, including the puja committee secretary, were reported by Felo on October 18, alongside the same compensation figures and the three‑day Section 163 order.
Key facts
- The stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal killed 19 people. (news18.com)
- West Bengal announced Rs 25 lakh compensation and a government job for each victim's family. (news18.com)
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was imposed in parts of Kolkata for three days. (news18.com)
- MoS Tokhan Sahu urged that the incident not be politicised and praised the chief minister's response. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “"No one should politicise incident": MoS Tokhan Sahu on Kolkata Pandal stampede”
