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Kolkata, Oct 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each person who lost their life. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the PMO said in a post on X, quoting the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2026 At the time of filing this report, the death toll in the stampede stands at 17, while 15 people have been admitted to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. Several of the injured are reportedly in critical condition. One of the deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Sriparna Poddar. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Health Secretary is expected to visit the hospital following the incident. Also Read : 17 Killed, Over 30 Injured in Crowd Surge at Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata Helpline Numbers Issued Following the incident, helpline numbers have been activated at the Lalbazar Police Control Room in connection with the Chorbagan incident. People seeking information can contact: 18003455678 03322141310 Further details about the circumstances leading to the stampede and the official response are awaited.

Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Odisha on October 28 and 29, with a series of engagements planned in her hometown of Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, officials said on Saturday. The President’s visit comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled tour of the State on October 25. Visits Across Rairangpur According to the tentative itinerary, the President will arrive on October 28 and travel from the Dandabose Airstrip in Rairangpur to the Maa Kichakeshwari Temple at Bahalda. She is also expected to visit the Laxmi Mandap at Mahuldiha and her residence in Rairangpur. The schedule for the first day further includes visits to the Rairangpur Sub-Divisional Hospital, the Kacheri ground, and the Holiday Home. On October 29, the President is slated to visit the Rairangpur Sports Complex, Bikash Nagar, the Multi-Skill Development Centre at Gorumahisani Iron College, and the Town Hall before returning to the Dandabose Airstrip. Officials said extensive preparations are underway for the President’s visit. The district administration, police authorities and various government departments have initiated coordination efforts to ensure smooth arrangements relating to security, traffic management, road connectivity and venue readiness. Awaiting Final Schedule While preparations have gathered pace, officials said that the President's final itinerary and the timing of individual events are yet to be officially confirmed. The visit is expected to draw considerable public attention, particularly in Rairangpur, which has remained closely associated with President Murmu's personal and political journey.