Kolkata: A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in central Kolkata claimed the lives of at least 17 people on Saptami evening, while several others sustained injuries. The incident occurred after heavy rain triggered panic among thousands of devotees gathered at the popular Durga Puja venue, leading to a sudden crowd surge.
More than 25 people were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition. Officials fear the death toll could rise as more injured victims continue to receive treatment.
Heavy rain triggered panic among devotees
According to preliminary information, thousands of visitors had gathered at the pandal when an unexpected spell of rain forced many people standing outside to rush indoors for shelter. At the same time, devotees already inside the pandal attempted to move out, creating severe congestion in the narrow entry and exit passages.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden pressure of the crowd caused people to lose balance on a temporary staircase, resulting in many falling over one another within minutes.
Pandal structure also under investigation
Authorities are also investigating whether a portion of the iron framework supporting the pandal collapsed during the chaos, which may have contributed to the casualties. Officials believe the entire incident unfolded within five to seven minutes.
The Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja, celebrating its 91st edition this year, is located on a narrow stretch of road connected by small lanes, making crowd movement particularly challenging during peak hours.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes
Several visitors described desperate attempts to rescue people trapped inside the overcrowded pandal. One eyewitness claimed that the adjoining lane remained blocked, making it difficult for ambulances to reach the spot immediately, while local residents joined rescue efforts to pull injured devotees to safety.
Another visitor said three of his companions fell during the stampede, and despite repeated attempts, he was unable to rescue them without help from others.
Chief Minister visits hospital and accident site
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited both the accident site and Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to review the situation and meet the injured. State Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee also reached the hospital following the tragedy.
Police have begun identifying the deceased and injured, many of whom are believed to have travelled from different districts to visit the famous Durga Puja pandal.
Police shut down the puja venue
Following the incident, police suspended public access to the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal as investigations began. Members of the organising committee were not seen at the venue after the tragedy.
The Kolkata Police’s Lalbazar Control Room has also activated two helpline numbers—180034556782 and 033-22141310—to assist families seeking information about victims and those admitted to hospitals.
Previous Durga Puja crowd incidents
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over crowd management at major Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. In 2021, Sreebhumi Sporting Club’s Durga Puja was temporarily closed following a stampede-like situation that left several people injured. Earlier, in 2015, Deshapriya Park Durga Puja also witnessed a near-stampede during the festive season.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the tragedy and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee also expressed grief, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability while stressing that public safety must remain the highest priority.
