- Casualties: The stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal has reportedly left 19 people dead and 25 injured.
- Compensation and investigation: The West Bengal government has announced ₹25 lakh and a Group D government job for each deceased person’s family.
- The pandal has been closed, CCTV footage is being examined, and authorities have called for better lighting, entry and exit arrangements
Kolkata: At least 19 people have died and 25 others have been injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, West Bengal. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, October 17, amid heavy rainfall and a sudden surge of visitors during Maha Saptami celebrations.
The crowd crush reportedly began around 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm, when rain prompted visitors to move rapidly towards the pandal. An announcement by the organisers may also have contributed to the sudden rush, according to preliminary statements by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The injured were taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, and NRS Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
West Bengal Government Announces Compensation
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a Group D government job for the family of each deceased person.
The Chief Minister and senior state officials visited hospitals to review the treatment being provided to the injured and assess the situation.
Adhikari said the immediate priority was to ensure proper medical care for those injured in the incident. He also assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence in crowd management or safety arrangements.
Puja Organisers, Security Staff Detained for Questioning
Police have detained members of the Durga Puja organising committee, private security personnel and staff on duty for questioning as part of the investigation.
Preliminary accounts suggest that an announcement over the loudspeaker may have triggered a sudden movement of visitors, contributing to the crowd surge. The precise sequence of events and the role of crowd-management arrangements remain under investigation.
Kolkata Police have collected CCTV footage from the area. Investigators are expected to examine the recordings to establish how the incident unfolded and whether safety procedures were followed.
The Chief Minister said those found responsible for any lapses would face action under the law.
Pandal Closed as Investigation Continues
Authorities have closed the Chorbagan community puja pandal following the tragedy. The site has been secured for investigation, including forensic examination and inspection by the relevant police, fire and other authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd control at major Durga Puja celebrations, where large numbers of visitors gather to see elaborate decorations and themed pandals.
Heavy rainfall, the movement of visitors and the arrangements at entry and exit points are among the factors requiring examination.
Amit Shah to Visit Injured; Official Programmes Postponed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Kolkata, is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with state officials, according to the information provided by the state government.
His scheduled visits to Durga Puja pandals and other official programmes have been postponed following the tragedy. Shah has also said he would visit injured people in hospital.
The incident has disrupted the city’s festival activities as authorities focus on medical assistance, the investigation and public safety.
Chief Minister Urges Organisers to Prioritise Safety
Adhikari urged Durga Puja committees across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal to strengthen safety arrangements, particularly at large theme-based pandals that attract heavy crowds.
He emphasised the need for adequate lighting, sufficient entry and exit points and effective crowd-management systems.
The tragedy has renewed attention on the safety responsibilities of event organisers and authorities during major public gatherings. Investigators will need to establish the circumstances of the incident before responsibility for any alleged lapses can be determined.
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