A devastating stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, has claimed 19 lives and left 25 others injured. The tragedy struck at around 7:40 PM near the pandal's exit gate as heavy rain triggered a sudden crowd surge.
Image: Xopolino, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What Happened
According to Kolkata Police, the stampede broke out at the exit gate of the Chorbagan pandal in the Girish Park police station area when heavy rain lashed north and central Kolkata on Saptami evening. Thousands of visitors waiting outside rushed toward the pandal for shelter, causing a crush near the narrow exit corridor.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that a panic announcement on the pandal loudspeaker by the organisers added to the chaos. Family members of two victims said the blowing of a whistle by private security guards triggered a sudden rush among people waiting in line.
The injured were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, with some transferred to SSKM Hospital. One of the injured remains in critical condition. Among the dead are 13 women and a child.
12 Detained, SIT Probe Ordered
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who rushed to the hospital on Saturday night, confirmed that 12 people have been detained — including the puja organisers, private security guards and on-duty staff — for questioning.
"We have detained 12 people in connection with our probe. If any lapses are found, we will act as per the law. Nobody will be spared," a senior police officer told PTI.
The Chief Minister has ordered an SIT probe headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court, with members from the STF, CID and other departments. The Anti-Rowdy Section of Kolkata Police has collected CCTV footage from the pandal area.
Compensation Announced
CM Suvendu Adhikari announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia and a Group D government job for the family of each deceased, and ₹5 lakh for each injured person, with medical expenses covered by the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Eyewitnesses Flag Lapses
Several visitors alleged serious crowd-management failures. "I have not seen adequate police presence this year. This resulted in the mismanagement," said Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a Chorbagan resident.
Locals claimed announcements about entry, exit and crowd movement were confusing, police were stationed mainly near the VIP entrance, and there was little help in rushing the injured to hospitals. Police say all angles — organiser lapses, rule violations in pandal construction, and security deployment — are under investigation.
Mamata Banerjee Expresses Shock
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the tragedy. "I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time," she said.
FAQs
How many people died in the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede?
19 people died and 25 were injured in the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on the evening of October 17, 2026. Among the dead are 13 women and a child.
What caused the stampede?
Heavy rain caused crowds waiting outside to rush toward the pandal, and a panic announcement on the loudspeaker triggered a surge near the narrow exit gate at around 7:40 PM. The exact sequence is under SIT investigation.
Who has been detained?
12 people including the puja organisers, private security guards and on-duty staff have been detained for questioning by Kolkata Police.
What compensation has been announced?
The West Bengal government announced ₹25 lakh plus a Group D job per deceased family and ₹5 lakh per injured person. The Prime Minister announced ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured.
Is there an inquiry into the incident?
Yes. An SIT headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge — with STF, CID and other departments — will investigate. CCTV footage has been collected.
Sources: PTI; The Hindu BusinessLine; LiveMint; The Daily Jagran; The Times of Bengal.