17 killed in stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal

At least 17 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, amid heavy rain and a large gathering of visitors.

The incident took place around 7.40 pm at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, in the Girish Park police station area. Around 35 injured people were reportedly taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

According to police, heavy crowding during rainfall led to the stampede near the pandal’s exit gate. Witnesses alleged that narrow entry and exit gates, inadequate lighting and poor crowd management may have worsened the situation. These claims have yet to be independently established.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the incident would be investigated. A preliminary account suggested that an announcement by a private security agency and the use of whistles may have triggered the panic, he said. Members of the puja committee and personnel from the security agency were reportedly detained in connection with the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former chief minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the deaths.

The state government issued helpline numbers 1800-345-5678 and 033-2214-1310 for assistance related to the incident.