Kolkata Stampede: Health Minister Speaks | 19 Dead, 25 Injured, Probe Underway | Kolkata News

Kolkata Stampede: West Bengal Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee speaks as the state responds to the deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata.At least 19 people have died and 25 people were reported injured or hospitalised following the incident on Saturday evening. The stampede occurred amid heavy rain and a rush of devotees near the pandal. The exact sequence of events and the factors that led to the tragedy remain under investigation.Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT), to be headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge, to examine possible crowd-management and safety lapses. Police have detained people associated with the Puja organising committee and private security arrangements for questioning.The West Bengal government has announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job for one member of each deceased victim’s family, along with ₹5 lakh for each injured person and coverage of medical expenses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced ex-gratia assistance from the PM National Relief Fund.Watch this LIVE broadcast for the Health Minister’s remarks, updates on the injured, the government’s response, investigation developments and questions over crowd management at major festival venues.Stay with CNN-News18 for verified updates as...