West Bengal CM meets families of victims of Kolkata puja pandal stampede

Kolkata, West Bengal – The state's chief minister travelled to the city on Tuesday to meet the families of the victims of the puja pandal stampede that left several people dead. The meeting was held at a government office where the bereaved were presented with a written expression of condolence and assurances of immediate relief measures.
The chief minister emphasized that the tragedy underscores the need for stricter crowd‑control protocols at religious gatherings. Officials from the municipal corporation and police were also present to brief the families on the ongoing investigation and steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.
In addition to offering financial assistance, the administration promised to expedite the release of any pending insurance claims and to provide counselling support to the affected families. The chief minister concluded the interaction by urging the community to cooperate with authorities in ensuring safety at future festivals.
The stampede, which occurred during the peak of Durga Puja celebrations, has prompted a broader review of safety standards across the state, with senior officials tasked to submit a comprehensive report within the next week.