Subheading: Government announces financial assistance for victims' families as police investigate safety lapses**
**KOLKATA, October 18:** A deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured. Heavy crowds and rain reportedly contributed to the chaos, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
Kolkata Police have arrested seven people, including office-bearers of the puja committee and individuals responsible for crowd management, construction of the bamboo structure and private security arrangements. Those arrested include committee secretary Raj Kumar Sewda and vice-president Santanu Dubey.
The police are examining whether shortcomings in crowd control and security arrangements contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have sealed the pandal, while restrictions have been imposed on gatherings in the surrounding area.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job for the family of each deceased person. The state government has also announced ₹5 lakh for every injured person and coverage of their medical expenses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced additional financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
Following the incident, the puja committee's general secretary and other office-bearers reportedly resigned. The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances behind the stampede and determine accountability for any safety failures.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about crowd management, emergency planning and public safety at large religious gatherings.