New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- Following the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, senior Union Ministers and political leaders expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The stampede occurred amid heavy crowds at the Durga Puja pandal during rainfall. The injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment as authorities initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a post on X, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the incident and said relief and rescue operations were underway to assist those affected.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the s...