Kolkata Durga Puja Tragedy: 19 Dead, 25 Injured in Pandal Stampede; President, PM Modi Express Grief

Kolkata: A devastating tragedy struck Kolkata during Durga Puja celebrations on the evening of Saptami, leaving 19 people dead and 25 others injured after a stampede-like situation erupted near a puja pandal in North Kolkata. The incident reportedly occurred amid heavy rainfall and a massive influx of devotees, triggering panic and chaos.

The tragedy took place near the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal, with reports indicating that the crowd surge and a possible suffocation incident led to multiple casualties. Following the incident, the puja committee’s general secretary and other office-bearers reportedly resigned. The state government has ordered an inquiry, while police and forensic teams are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Rescue Operations Launched; Injured Rushed to Hospital

According to Kolkata Police, the incident occurred around 7:40 PM on October 17 near the exit gate of the Sharada Park Puja pandal. Rainfall and an unusually large gathering of visitors reportedly contributed to the chaotic situation.

Police, fire brigade personnel and disaster management teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. The injured were transported to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment, while puja organisers also joined the emergency response.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital to take stock of the situation.

Authorities have since closed the affected pandal to devotees. The Tala Pratyay pandal was also shut following administrative instructions, while the Chetla Agrani pandal was temporarily closed for an hour.

Chief Minister Orders Inquiry, Seeks CCTV Footage

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the incident as deeply tragic, confirming that 19 people had died and 25 were injured. He said one or two injured individuals were reportedly in critical condition.

According to preliminary information cited by the Chief Minister, an announcement over the puja committee’s public address system may have contributed to a sudden crowd surge, resulting in a stampede-like situation or suffocation. The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.

The government has prioritised medical treatment for the injured and assistance for the families of those who lost their lives.

A fact-finding committee will be constituted to investigate the incident. Kolkata Police have been directed to question puja committee members and security personnel and secure CCTV footage. Special Task Force personnel, forensic experts and fire brigade teams are examining the site.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all Durga Puja committees to cooperate with the police and ensure that entry and exit arrangements are adequate to handle large crowds.

President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragedy. She conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

PM Modi Announces Financial Assistance for Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, describing it as deeply distressing. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Prime Minister also said the local administration was extending all possible assistance to those affected.

As part of the relief measures, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

Amit Shah Postpones Bengal Programmes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the tragedy and spoke with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari over the phone to convey his condolences.

Shah said the administration was working to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. He postponed his scheduled programmes in West Bengal for the following day and indicated that he would visit the hospital to meet those affected.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.

Government Issues Emergency Helpline

The West Bengal government has issued a toll-free helpline number for assistance related to the incident.

Helpline: 18003455678

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with several people reportedly losing consciousness amid the dense crowd. Some victims were allegedly transported away from the area on motorcycles as people rushed to help those in distress.

Mamata Banerjee, TMC Leaders Express Grief

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. She wished the injured a speedy recovery and prayed for strength and courage for the bereaved families.

TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh described the incident as extremely unfortunate, saying the immediate priority was to rescue those affected and ensure prompt medical treatment, particularly for critically injured victims. He urged the administration to arrange adequate doctors and medical staff at the hospital and said TMC workers were assisting with relief efforts.

Ghosh also appealed to people visiting Durga Puja pandals to avoid the Chorbagan area.

TMC Questions Crowd Management Arrangements

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) questioned the police and administration over the alleged lack of adequate crowd-control measures at the site.

According to the party, local residents claimed there was no sufficient police presence, no civic volunteers, no ambulances and inadequate arrangements to manage the gathering.

These allegations are expected to form part of the wider scrutiny of the incident as investigators examine the crowd-management arrangements, emergency response and circumstances that led to the loss of lives.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations, with authorities now under pressure to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents at crowded public festivities.