Stampede / Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: PM Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex-Gratia To Next Of Kin Of Each Deceased, Helpline Numbers Issued

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.