A stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on October 17, 2026, reportedly left several people feared dead and dozens injured amid heavy rain and overcrowding. Police launched rescue operations, while authorities arranged emergency medical assistance and a helpline.
At least 17 people were reported dead and several others injured following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening. The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall and overcrowding, triggering emergency rescue operations and raising serious concerns about crowd management and public safety during the festive season.
According to initial reports, the incident took place around 7 pm at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja pandal, under the jurisdiction of Girish Park Police Station. A statement issued by Kolkata Police said the stampede occurred at the pandal’s exit gate at approximately 7:40 pm as a large number of visitors gathered during heavy rain.
A senior police officer said the crowd waiting outside the pandal surged forward when rainfall intensified. Several people reportedly fell on the road, resulting in a chaotic situation and a stampede-like crush.
In its initial statement, Kolkata Police said all injured persons had been rescued and taken to Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for treatment. Around 35 people had been taken to the hospital, according to information received by the police at that time. While media reports indicated at least 17 fatalities, the initial police statement did not confirm the death toll.
Police reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams and ambulances carrying medical teams were deployed to assist with rescue and emergency response operations. Authorities subsequently closed the puja pandal to visitors to prevent further crowding and ensure the safety of the public.
Several visitors reportedly raised questions about the adequacy of safety arrangements and crowd-control measures at the venue. The precise circumstances that led to the incident remained under investigation, and further details were awaited.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee rushed to the hospital to assess the situation and review arrangements for treating the injured. Senior police officials and other administrative officers also reached the affected area as emergency services continued their response.
The state government announced a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, for people seeking information related to the incident. Authorities urged those requiring information to use the designated helpline.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. In her statement, she prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and offered support to their families during the difficult period.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh described the incident as unfortunate and called on the police administration to ensure immediate medical assistance for all injured people. He also urged authorities to arrange additional doctors and medical staff at the hospital to manage the emergency.
Ghosh stressed that saving lives and providing treatment to critically injured patients should remain the immediate priority, while the causes of the incident could be examined subsequently.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about crowd management at major Durga Puja pandals, which attract large numbers of visitors during the festive period. Heavy rainfall, congestion around entry and exit points, and sudden crowd movements can create dangerous conditions when safety arrangements are insufficient.
The incident also highlights the importance of maintaining clear evacuation routes, controlling visitor numbers, deploying trained volunteers and ensuring adequate emergency medical facilities at crowded public gatherings.
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Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the stampede and assess whether existing crowd-control and safety arrangements were adequate. Further official information regarding casualties and the investigation is awaited.
As emergency teams continue to respond to the aftermath, the immediate focus remains on the treatment of the injured, assistance for affected families and establishing the circumstances that led to the tragedy at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.
(Photos taken from the internet)
