A Durga Puja celebration in north Kolkata turned tragic after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal claimed 17 lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday evening as a large number of devotees gathered at the popular pandal amid heavy rainfall.
How Did the Stampede Occur?
According to reports, the incident took place around 7:40 pm near the exit gate of the pandal in the Girish Park police station area. A senior police officer said that people waiting outside rushed forward when it started raining, causing several people to fall and triggering a stampede-like situation.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as visitors struggled to move through the crowded area. Some people reportedly lost consciousness and were taken away for medical assistance. Reports also highlighted concerns about the narrow entry and exit passages.
Rescue Operations and Hospitalisation
Kolkata Police said the injured were rescued and transported to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Police personnel, fire brigade teams, disaster management officials, ambulances and medical teams were deployed to assist those affected.
The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors to prevent further crowding. Authorities also issued a helpline number, 18003455678, for people seeking information and assistance regarding the incident.
Reports differed on the number of people injured, with figures ranging from 18 to 35 as rescue and hospital updates continued.
Political Leaders Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for those injured through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief and spoke with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the incident. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy as concerns over crowd management and safety arrangements at major public gatherings come into focus.