Agencies | Kolkata:
At least 17 people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede-like situation at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, as large crowds gathered to celebrate Durga Puja on Saptami.
According to reports, overcrowding and hot weather contributed to the situation, triggering panic among devotees. A section of the pandal was also reported to have collapsed amid the rush, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Police said at least 17 people had died and 35 sustained injuries. The injured were taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment, while the pandal was temporarily closed to facilitate crowd management and emergency response.
Reports suggested that some people had fallen ill due to the heat and overcrowding, while rumours of a stampede reportedly intensified the panic. Police personnel, disaster management officials and puja organisers intervened to control the crowd, evacuate those affected and arrange medical assistance.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached Calcutta Medical College Hospital following reports of multiple casualties and injuries.
Police and disaster management teams also reached the site to assist with the response and help manage the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, describing the stampede in Kolkata as “extremely distressing”. He conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery, adding that the local administration was providing all possible assistance.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock and sadness in a social media post.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal,” she said, while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and extending her wishes for strength and courage to their families.
Further details regarding the circumstances of the incident and the condition of those injured were awaited.
