Kolkata, October 18, 2026: At least 19 people lost their lives and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, West Bengal, on Saturday evening, October 17. The tragedy occurred during the Durga Puja celebrations amid heavy rainfall and a sudden surge of visitors, prompting an investigation into crowd management and safety arrangements.
According to reports, the incident took place at around 7:30–8:00 pm near the Chorbagan pandal, off Chittaranjan Avenue. Heavy rain reportedly prompted people waiting outside to rush towards the pandal for shelter. The resulting crowd surge caused people to fall, triggering a stampede-like situation.
The injured were taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, and N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital for treatment. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and senior government officials visited the hospital to review the situation and meet the affected families.
Investigation Launched, Organisers Detained
The West Bengal government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police detained members of the puja organising committee, private security personnel and other individuals on duty for questioning.
Authorities are examining the arrangements made for crowd control, security, entry and exit routes, and emergency response. The Chorbagan pandal has been closed, and the site has been handed over to investigative and forensic teams for examination.
Following the tragedy, authorities also advised several major, crowd-attracting Durga Puja pandals to temporarily suspend public entry as a precautionary measure. Kolkata hosts thousands of community pujas during the festival, drawing large numbers of visitors.
West Bengal Government Announces ₹25 Lakh Compensation
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased person, along with a Group D government job for one eligible family member. The state government also said that those responsible for any established lapses would be held accountable.
The Chief Minister urged Durga Puja organisers to prioritise public safety, adequate lighting, sufficient entry and exit points, and effective crowd-management arrangements. He stressed that the safety of visitors must take precedence over elaborate decorations and themed pandal designs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Financial Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.
The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in Kolkata, also expressed condolences and remained in contact with the state government. His scheduled programmes connected with the Durga Puja celebrations were postponed in view of the tragedy.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock and sorrow over the incident and prayed for the recovery of the injured and strength for the affected families.
Safety Concerns During Durga Puja Celebrations
The tragedy has renewed concerns about crowd management at large religious and cultural gatherings. Durga Puja attracts thousands of devotees and visitors to Kolkata’s elaborate pandals every year, particularly during the main days of celebration.
The investigation is expected to examine the sequence of events, the impact of heavy rainfall, the movement of visitors, and the adequacy of safety arrangements. The findings will be important in establishing the precise cause of the stampede and determining accountability.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid gathering near the affected venue. The incident has cast a shadow over the festive celebrations, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and authorities facing renewed calls to strengthen crowd-safety measures.
