At least 19 people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede at a Durga Puja festival venue in Kolkata, eastern India, on Saturday evening (October 17).
The incident occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata amid heavy crowds and rain, as devotees gathered at the venue.
Police said the stampede occurred near the exit gate after worshippers began moving amid the downpour, causing people to fall and triggering a crush.
Authorities have launched an investigation into possible crowd-control and safety lapses. Seven people, including members of the organising committee and security personnel, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that a special investigation team headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court would investigate the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees for the family of each deceased person and 50,000 rupees for each injured person. (Newswire)