At Least 17 Dead, Over 30 Injured After Stampede-like Situation at a North Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal

Kolkata: A stampede-like situation erupted on Saturday evening at the popular Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, leaving at least 17 people dead and 35 injured, several of them critically, according to several media reports.

The incident reportedly occurred around 7:40 pm near the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja pandal in the Girish Park police station area. Heavy rush of pandal-hoppers, compounded by sudden heavy rain and reportedly inadequate crowd management, triggered the chaos.

Police and emergency responders swiftly intervened. All injured persons were rescued and shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH), reports said. Reinforcements from the control room, Fire Brigade, Kolkata Police, Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams, and ambulances with medical staff were deployed on site. NDRF teams were also called in.

Authorities have closed the pandal to visitors following the incident. Initial reports put the number of people taken to hospital at around 35, with at least five in critical condition. Exact figures and further details are still being assessed.

In the aftermath, the West Bengal government has launched a toll-free helpline for information related to the accident. Concerned relatives and the public can call 1800-345-5678.

An eye witness, present at the spot, told IANS, "...The entrance was very narrow, and the exit gate was also narrow. There was no lighting in the area....My daughter and grand daughter are hospitalized..."

Another eye witness told IANS, "I still haven’t been able to understand what happened, so I can’t comment on the incident at this point...."

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari along with Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached the location to take stock of the situation.  

Governor of West Bengal R. N. Ravi grieved the loss of lives in the incident. 

In a post on X, the Lok Bhavan, West Bengal, wrote, "Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of the victims and wished speedy recovery for the injured.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's office, wrote, "The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 for each injured person. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his condolences to the families of the deceased and postponed his scheduled programs in West Bengal. He also said that he will visit the injured in the hospital tomorrow. 

In a post on X, Shah wrote, "I have spoken with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding this incident. I will postpone all my scheduled programs in West Bengal for tomorrow and visit the hospital to meet the injured..."

"I pray for the peace of the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this tragedy and extend my condolences to their families. The administration is providing all possible medical assistance to those injured. I will postpone all my scheduled programs in West Bengal for tomorrow and visit the hospital to meet the injured. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those who have been hurt," his post read. 

The Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja is one of North Kolkata’s well-known community festivals that draws large crowds during the Durga Puja season. Saturday’s heavy rainfall appears to have intensified the already dense footfall, leading to the dangerous surge at the exit point.