Story perspectives

West Bengal Offers Rs 25 Lakh and Jobs After Stampede

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 4:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

West Bengal government announced Rs 25 lakh compensation and a job for each stampede victim’s family.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met families of 16 victims, promising jobs and education support.
Special Investigation Team chaired by Justice (Rtd.) Anindita Roy Saraswati must report within three months.
Police widened the Chorbagan exit to about 12 feet to move the 9-foot Durga idol.
Treasurer Sanjeev Raha was arrested as the probe examined committee responsibilities.

History

Historical Context

On 26 January 2001 a 7.7-magnitude quake hit Gujarat, killing up to 20,000, destroying 340,000 buildings and leading Chief Minister Narendra Modi to pledge Rs 5 lakh compensation and a Rs 1 billion jobs scheme. The 2024 Durga Puja stampede in West Bengal prompted Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to offer Rs 25 lakh per family and an employment package, with Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati heading the probe. These responses show India’s pattern of relief and commissions after disasters.

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Story summary

West Bengal government announced Rs 25 lakh compensation and a job for each stampede victim’s family.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met families of 16 victims, promising jobs and education support.
Special Investigation Team chaired by Justice (Rtd.) Anindita Roy Saraswati must report within three months.
Police widened the Chorbagan exit to about 12 feet to move the 9-foot Durga idol.
Treasurer Sanjeev Raha was arrested as the probe examined committee responsibilities.

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