In West Bengal, 19 people lost their lives and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata last evening.

The incident occurred at around 8 PM, during the Maha Saptami celebrations.

The Chief Minister also announced compensation of 25 lakh rupees and a Group D government job for the family of each deceased person.

Describing the incident as tragic, Mr Adhikari said the administration’s immediate priority was to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.