A reported crowd-crush-like incident at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saptami evening has left 19 people dead and 25 injured, according to the Anandabazar report, after heavy rain triggered a rush inside the crowded venue. Several injured people were taken to Kolkata Medical College, while 11 were later shifted to SSKM Hospital.
The incident occurred as large numbers of visitors gathered at the pandal in Chorbagan to view the Durga Puja installation. The report said heavy rain began across north and central Kolkata, causing traffic congestion and prompting people waiting outside to try to enter the pandal to take shelter. Witnesses reportedly described pushing and disorder inside the venue.
According to the report, several people fell on a circular route inside the pandal, creating a situation resembling a stampede. The installation reportedly included an elevated circular corridor that visitors had to follow for a 360-degree movement through the structure before exiting. The exact sequence of events and whether the deaths were caused by a crowd crush remained under investigation.
The report identified 19 deaths and 25 injuries. A source at Kolkata Medical College said the deceased included three men, one child and 13 women, although the reported breakdown does not account for all 19 victims. Some of the injured were reportedly unconscious when rescuers brought them to hospital. Those admitted to Kolkata Medical College were placed in the emergency observation ward, while 11 patients were transferred to SSKM Hospital for treatment.
West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari reportedly visited the hospital on Saturday night to review the situation. The report said he directed that members of the puja committee be called to the police station and that the circumstances leading to the incident be examined. He also said responsibility would be assessed and that CCTV footage would be obtained as part of the inquiry.
Police detained 12 members of the puja committee for questioning, according to the report. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand was also reported to have reached Kolkata Medical College. The police and fire services were sent to the site as rescue operations continued.
The Chorbagan puja lighting was switched off after the incident, and the exit route was closed. These measures were reported as part of the immediate response to control movement around the venue and support rescue operations. The report did not establish whether the closure was temporary or how long access restrictions would remain in place.
A witness reportedly told the publication that people standing in queues tried to enter the pandal to escape the rain and began pushing one another. Some visitors allegedly fell on the circular path inside the structure. Other witnesses complained that police or security personnel were not present in time despite requests for assistance.
Puja committee organiser Bikash Das said the organisers were trying to understand how the incident occurred and that taking the injured to hospital was the immediate priority. He reportedly said police and fire services were heading to the location and that it was not yet clear whether the incident was caused by pressure from the crowd.
The 2026 Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav Samiti installation was based on the theme ‘Orb’, translated in the report as ‘Beyond Sound’. The pandal’s design centred on a 360-degree visitor experience, including the elevated circular corridor where the initial trouble was reported. The puja was listed third in a ranking of prominent installations, according to the report.
The report also said that individuals linked to the puja committee included Debdeep Adhikari, identified as the nephew of the chief minister, and Jorasanko BJP legislator Bijoy Ojha, who was identified as the committee chairman. Tamoghna Ghosh, president of the BJP’s north Kolkata district unit, was also reported to be associated with the puja.
The West Bengal government has opened a toll-free helpline at 18003455678. The chief minister reportedly assured the families of those who died that the government would stand by them. A formal inquiry into the incident and the responsibilities of those managing the venue were expected to follow.
