New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Postponing his scheduled programmes in Kolkata for Sunday in the wake of a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit those injured in the incident.
At least 17 people died and 25 others were injured in a stampede-like situation at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening.
As it started raining, the crowd waiting outside the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal rushed forward, with some falling on the road -- triggering a stampede.
In a message posted on X, Shah said, "I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari about this matter."
He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
Shah said the administration is making arrangements to ensure best possible medical treatment for the injured.
"I am postponing all my scheduled programs in West Bengal tomorrow to visit the injured in the hospital. I pray to Ma Durga that all the injured individuals recover swiftly," he wrote.
Shah was scheduled to visit Belur Math at 10.45 am on Sunday to witness ritual traditions, and later visit the Deshbandhu Club Durga Puja pandal in Howrah district's Bally. Subsequently, he was to head to north Kolkata's Sovabazar Rajbari to witness its more than 250-year-old Durga Puja and offer prayers.
He was also scheduled to visit the Sreebhumi Durga Puja pandal in eastern Kolkata's Lake Town before leaving for Delhi, sources said.