Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: 17 Dead, 15 Injured, Says West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
At least 17 people, including 13 women and a child, died and 15 others were injured in a stampede at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital to take stock of the situation as rescue and medical assistance continued.
At least 17 people, including 13 women and a child, died and 15 others were injured in a stampede at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital to take stock of the situation as rescue and medical assistance continued.
According to Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred around 7:40 pm at the pandal's exit gate in the Girish Park police station area. Heavy crowds of visitors amid rainfall reportedly contributed to the chaotic situation. The injured were taken to Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for treatment.
Narrow Gates, Heavy Crowds Reportedly Contributed to Stampede
Witnesses said several people lost consciousness during the crush, while some injured visitors were rushed to the hospital on motorcycles. One witness alleged that the entrance and exit gates were narrow and that there was inadequate lighting in the area. Stampede-Like Situation at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Leaves Several Injured, No Casualties Reported (Videos).
The pandal organisers stopped visitor entry and switched off the lights following the incident. Police personnel, fire brigade teams, disaster management officials and ambulances were deployed for rescue operations. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors.
The exact circumstances that led to the stampede remain unclear. Authorities have not yet established whether the victims were trampled amid the crowd pressure.
PM Modi Announces Compensation, Amit Shah Postpones Events
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced ex-gratia compensation of INR 2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Those injured will receive INR 50,000 each.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in West Bengal, postponed his scheduled political programmes for Sunday to visit the injured in hospital. He also spoke with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the incident.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed condolences and urged the state government to provide immediate medical assistance, compensation and conduct a thorough investigation.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock over the tragedy and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The incident has raised concerns over crowd management, entry and exit arrangements and safety measures at crowded Durga Puja pandals during the festive season.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2026 11:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
