Mal Bazar tragedy: PM announces ex-gratia @ 2 lakh from PMNRF : condoles loss of lives due to a mishap in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

People crossing the river before the tragedy

PIB, KalimNews, 06 OCT 2022, New Delhi : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next kin of deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the tragic mishap from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

The Prime Minister Office tweeted;

"Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM @narendramodi"

"Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased in the tragic mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi"

KalimNews and agencies, Malbazar, 6 October 2022:  Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister also tweeted and announced Rs. 2 lakh as relief to the next of kin of each of the deceased while  Rs 50,000 would be granted to the injured in the tragedy.

She tweeted, " An ex-gratia amount of Rs. 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.   For any assistance kindly reach out to the following helpline numbers- 03561230780 / 9073936815.   Let us stand together in these times of distress @MamataOfficial"

She further tweeted "Search and rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF are still underway.  Around 70 people were saved by the efforts of the police, Civil Defence Volunteers and local youth. I commend their selfless service.  There have been no reports of missing persons so far."

It is reminded that during the immersion of Idol of Durga around 50-70 worshippers were swept away by Mal River that flows from Hills of Gorubathan. The river swirled into a flood when due to rain its level increased at about 10 pm last night. 

KalimNews and agencies, Malbazar, 6 October 2022:  During the immersion of Idol of Durga around 50-60 worshippers were swept away by Mal River that flows from Hills of Gorubathan, onlookers said. The river swirled into a flood when due to rain its level increased at about 10 pm last night. 

8 bodies have been so far recovered by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and civil defense. 

As many as 30 people were rescued after they were swept away by the flood. The dead are Tapan Adhikari (72), Urmi Saha (13), Rumur Saha (42), Arish Pandit (8), Biva Devi (28), Subhashish Raha (63), Swarnadeep Adhikari (20), Sushmita Poddar (22). In addition to it about 14 injured people are under treatment in the Mal Multispecialty hospital. After the incident, the leaders and ministers of various parties including Bulchik Baraik visited the spot and met the injured.

Around 30 idol immersion worshippers were swept away but rescued confirmed district administration of Jalpaiguri and Malbazar. Seven bodies were recovered last night while one was found in the morning. The police and disaster response forces have resumed rescue operations since Thursday morning. On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed grief over the death of so many people in the  immersion disaster. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also keeping an eye on the whole matter.

Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Moumita Godara confirmed the death of 8 people in the incident.

About 30 people were were rescued by the NDRF and civil defense. SP Jalpaiguri Devarshi Dutta said that the police and civil defense are working together. A large police force including SDO, SPO was present at the spot during the night.

According to local sources, many people were standing on both sides of Mal river since Wednesday evening. Many people came in more than 10 trucks to immerse their idols. At around 8:30 pm, the Mal river suddenly swirled into a flood. They were not prepared for that and many people including trucks were washed away by the current.

The police, fire brigade and Disaster forces were immediately involved in the rescue operation. The District Commissioner along with the District Superintendent of Police went to the spot at night. But rescue operations were hampered by waterlogging and heavy rains. However, 8 bodies were recovered by rescue operations till midnight. About 15 people are admitted to the Mal multispecialty hospital.