Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has accused principal opposition leaders of restricting their response to social media following the tragic Durga Puja pandal stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin in North Kolkata on the night of 17 October.

The stampede claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister visited the residence of victim Piu Samaddar to hand over a compensation cheque to her grieving family members.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Adhikari criticized opposition parties for playing politics over the tragedy. He claimed that not a single opposition leader or worker visited the hospital to check on the injured or stood by those who lost their loved ones.

The Chief Minister noted that Piu Samaddar’s mother has been in deep trauma since learning of her daughter’s death. He stated that he has instructed the state health department and local ASHA workers to provide regular medical and psychological care to the bereaved family.

Adhikari added that discussions have been held with the District Magistrate to secure employment for family members in the local Block Development Officer’s office. While the lives lost cannot be brought back, the state government remains firmly committed to supporting the victims’ families, he said.

Addressing queries regarding the ongoing inquiry, Adhikari confirmed that a judicial probe panel has been constituted and all relevant investigative documents have been handed over to its members.