Sunday, October, 18,2026

Latest News

BJP MP Mahato assures thorough probe into Kolkata puja stampede, says govt standing with victims’ families

Kolkata (West Bengal) : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jatin Mohit Singh Mahato on Sunday said that instructions had been issued for a thorough investigation into the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, adding that the government was closely monitoring the situation.

 Mahato said that West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government were extending all possible assistance to the affected families.

"Instructions have been given to investigate this incident. Many such incidents have taken place in the previous government. Earlier, only dialogue was heard from afar. Whatever has happened, we cannot undo it. However, the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, and the entire government are standing with the victims' families," he said.

Taking aim at former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mahato contrasted the current administration's response with the handling of previous incidents during the Durga Puja season.

"Mamata Banerjee has no right to speak because you all must have seen how, during the previous government, while Mamata Banerjee was Chief Minister, 13 people died due to electric shock before Durga Puja, and after that, their reaction was that, in Darjeeling, more than 100 people died due to water and flooding, and after that, celebrating joy and festivities during Puja was extremely condemnable at that time.

But today, the Chief Minister has announced that from the government side, we will not participate in any celebrations.

The general public is performing around 58,000 pujas across Bengal, and all pujas will be conducted like pujas," he said.
Mahato said the current government had announced that it would not participate in celebratory events following the stampede, while public

Durga Puja celebrations across the state would continue.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the stampede and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for their families.

"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time," she said on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also paid condolences to the affected families. He visited the injured at the hospital and monitored rescue operations.

In a post on X, he assured that he is in constant touch with the State Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police and other senior officials to monitor the situation.

"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Puja pandal at North Kolkata today. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident.

The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, CP & Senior Officials are with me; we are continuously monitoring the situation. Cabinet Colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Samik Bhattacharya accompanied me when I personally visited the injured at the Hospital. We are continuously taking stock of ground operations," he said. 

He added that the state administration announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 25 lakh and government jobs for the victims' families, alongside a judicial inquiry under a sitting judge and an emergency helpline: 1800-345-5678.

"The State Government has announced Rs. 25 lakhs and Govt. jobs as compensation for the victims' families, and we will be taking steps to constitute an STF under a Sitting Judge for fair investigation. Praying for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured. The Emergency Toll-Free Helpline number: 1800 345 5678 has been activated for People in distress," he noted.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed condolences over the loss of life, attributing the stampede to heavy rainfall.

"This is a tragic incident. Durga Puja is ongoing across the country, and it is celebrated with enthusiasm in Kolkata. Unfortunately, due to the rain, a stampede broke out, resulting in around 15-17 deaths and many injuries. I express my condolences to their families and pray to Goddess

Durga to give them the strength to bear this loss," he said.

Meanwhile, Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata have stepped up crowd-management measures following the incident.

Rabindra Sangha Durga Puja Committee member Udayan Dasgupta said the organisers had introduced single-file queues, increased the number of volunteers and security personnel, and arranged continuous loudspeaker announcements to promote safe movement among devotees.

"As you can see, we have set up a single queue where people can proceed one by one. Additionally, the number of our volunteers and security personnel has been increased significantly compared to before.

Announcements are being made continuously through loudspeakers to keep people aware, urging them to move slowly, view the idol peacefully, and cooperate with others to ensure a smooth experience," he said.

The incident occurred amid heavy crowds at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. The injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment as authorities initiated measures to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

Related News

visit e-papers

Daily Astro

18-10-2026

image

Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

image

Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

image

Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

image

Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

image

Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

image

Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

image

Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

image

Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

image

Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

image

Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

image

Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

image

Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

Gallery

18-10-2026