The Kolkata stampede compensation process moved forward on Tuesday as West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met the families of three people killed in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata.
Adhikari handed over ex gratia cheques of ₹25 lakh to each family and assured them of assistance. The stampede occurred on Saturday evening, leaving 19 people dead and 25 injured.
The Chief Minister first visited the family of Togor Bej, 37, and her son Sandip Bej, 14, in the Madhavdighi area of Purba Bardhaman district.
Expressing condolences, Adhikari acknowledged the family's loss and said the compensation was being provided as assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
He later visited Arambagh in Hooghly district to meet the family of Piyali Pramanik, Togor's sister-in-law, who also died in the stampede. Adhikari handed over the compensation cheque and offered his support to the family.
State Seeks Judicial Inquiry Into Stampede
The state government has initiated steps towards a judicial investigation into the incident. According to Adhikari, the chief secretary wrote to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on Monday, requesting the nomination of a sitting judge to investigate the stampede.
Adhikari also said representatives of Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation would not be included in the proposed inquiry team because the incident occurred within their respective jurisdictions.
The proposed inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the stampede and address questions about responsibility for the incident.
Adhikari Criticises Previous Government
Speaking to the media, Adhikari criticised the previous Trinamool Congress government over its handling of similar incidents. He said his administration considered compensation and accountability responsibilities of the government.
His remarks added a political dimension to the tragedy, with the ruling administration defending its response while the incident continues to raise questions about crowd management and public safety at large gatherings.
Compensation and Accountability Remain in Focus
The deaths at the Durga Puja pandal have prompted demands for justice and a thorough investigation. While the families of the three victims have received compensation, the proposed judicial inquiry remains a key next step.
The investigation is expected to help establish the circumstances behind the tragedy and clarify the roles of the authorities concerned.
For official updates, visit the West Bengal government website.
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