A stampede-like incident at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening left 17 people dead and around 35 injured, according to hospital sources cited in the report and information shared by Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari. The incident occurred as heavy rain drove large numbers of visitors towards the pandal entrance, where crowd pressure reportedly intensified.
The injured were taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Some patients were later shifted to SSKM Hospital, according to the report. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari visited Kolkata Medical College after receiving information about the incident and spoke to journalists about the reported death toll.
The crowd movement took place during Saptami evening, when visitors had gathered at the popular Durga Puja venue. Witnesses said people waiting outside began moving into the pandal to escape the heavy rain. A push-and-pull situation then developed between people already inside and those attempting to enter.
Preliminary information indicated that crowd pressure increased inside a circular elevated corridor constructed within the pandal. Several people reportedly fell as the pressure built up. Police sources said approximately 35 injured people were taken to hospital. The available report did not specify the identities of those killed or provide a detailed breakdown of the injuries.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand also reached the hospital, according to the report. The administration issued a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, for information related to the incident. Authorities were examining how the crowd movement escalated and what conditions inside and outside the pandal contributed to the incident.
Following the incident, the pandal’s lights were switched off and entry for visitors was stopped. The organisers of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee said it was not yet clear how the incident had occurred and that their immediate priority was ensuring that the injured reached hospital. The administration was questioning the organisers as part of its response.
The puja’s theme was reported as ‘Arab’, described as ‘Beyond Sound’. The committee is chaired by BJP legislator Vijay Ojha. The report did not provide details of the pandal’s approved capacity, crowd-management arrangements, emergency exits, or whether any official safety breach had been established. The administration’s investigation and the treatment of the injured were the next stated steps.
