The victims were participating in ‘Doi Chire’ fair at Panihati Mahotsavatala Ghat in Barrackpore in the district.
Kolkata: Three persons were died in a stampede like situation during a religious gathering in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday afternoon. According to the reports, deaths were suspected due to heat stroke and many others were injured in a stampede like situation. “Three persons have been died, nearly a dozen injured and are admitted at a hospital for further treatment,” said a police official.
The victims were participating in ‘Doi Chire’ fair at Panihati Mahotsavatala Ghat in Barrackpore in the district. The deceased persons were identifies as Subhash Pal, Shukla Pal and Chhaya Das. All deceased were above 60 years in age.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced support to the families. Banerjee, in a tweet, said, “Distressed to know of 3 old devotees’ death due to heat and humidity in Danda Mahotsav at ISKCON temple at Panihati. CP and DM have rushed, all help being provided. My condolences to the bereaved families, solidarity to devotees.”
Police said that a large gathering of devotees had witnessed at the ghat and due to extreme heat and overcrowding, a stampede-like situation ensued, leading to the deaths and injury. Scores of devotees were also fallen ill in the heat. The fair was postponed after the incident and the ghat was evacuated by the local authorities.
All the injured persons were reportedly admitted to nearby Sagore Dutta hospital and Panihari government hospital. A senior police official also confirmed that three persons were declared brought dead at a hospital.
“They appeared ill due to the scorching heat. There was crowd during the ‘Doi-Chire’ mela at a temple on the banks of river Hooghly in Panihati. Adequate arrangement of police have been made there,” the official added.
