The Kolkata pandal stampede that killed 19 people during Durga Puja celebrations has triggered a police investigation, three-day prohibitory orders in parts of North Kolkata and a wider review of crowd-safety arrangements at festival venues across West Bengal.
The crush occurred on Saturday evening at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street, where thousands of devotees had gathered. At least 25 people were injured. According to the West Bengal government, 17 people died at the site and the toll later rose to 19.
West Bengal Police have detained 12 people, including organisers and volunteers associated with the event, for questioning. A forensic team visited the pandal on Sunday, while investigators examined closed-circuit television footage, entry and exit arrangements and the venue’s crowd-control systems. Authorities have not announced findings establishing individual responsibility.
Preliminary accounts cited in the report suggest that heavy rainfall and a sudden movement of visitors towards the pandal may have contributed to the crowd surge. Investigators are also examining the narrow access routes, security arrangements and announcements made to visitors to establish the sequence of events and determine whether negligence played a role.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The restrictions will remain in force from October 18 to 20, or until further orders, in an area under Bowbazar Police Station bounded by College Street, Chittaranjan Avenue, Collotola Street and Eden Hospital Road.
The order prohibits unlawful gatherings of five or more people, carrying lathis or dangerous weapons, and activities likely to disturb public order. Police cited concerns over possible demonstrations, rallies and gatherings following the stampede.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a Special Investigation Team probe involving personnel from the Special Task Force, Criminal Investigation Department and other departments. He also said he would approach the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court regarding the possible involvement of a sitting judge in the inquiry.
The state government has announced Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the family of each person killed. Each injured person will receive Rs 5 lakh, and the government will cover medical expenses. One of the 25 injured people was reported to be in critical condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each person killed.
The incident has prompted authorities to reassess arrangements at major Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal. Organisers have been asked to review entry and exit routes, lighting, crowd movement and coordination with police and emergency services. At the Rabindra Sangha Durga Puja pandal, organisers said they had introduced single-file queues, increased volunteer and security deployment and expanded public announcements.
The state government has cancelled its participation in official festive programmes for the next few days, while religious observances will continue. An emergency helpline, 1800 345 5678, has been activated for people seeking assistance. The SIT investigation and the forensic and CCTV reviews are expected to establish how the crowd surge developed and whether safety protocols were breached.
