Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede Update: A stampede at a prominent Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday resulted in 19 deaths and left at least 25 people injured. Emergency response teams and officials reported that an announcement made at the Chorbagan Puja pandal triggered the stampede. However, by late Saturday night, full details regarding the incident had not yet emerged, as authorities worked to understand the tragedy that unfolded during West Bengal’s biggest festival season.
Videos recorded before the stampede—which occurred between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM—showed a massive crowd attempting to enter the pandal. The area consists of narrow lanes where, at most, three to four people can walk side-by-side. According to local residents who spoke to The Indian Express, several factors may have contributed to the tragedy: the narrow lanes, an insufficient number of volunteers to manage the crowds, people rushing into the pandal due to rain, and certain announcements that were allegedly made.
Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a resident of the Chorbagan area, remarked, “I did not see an adequate police presence this year, which is why this incident occurred.” Locals also complained that there was a noticeable lack of administrative assistance in transporting the injured to hospitals immediately following the incident.
Questioning of Chorbagan Puja Organisers Underway
On the night of the incident, a forensic team arrived at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal site and began collecting crucial evidence. Additionally, Kolkata Police officials are questioning the organisers of the Chorbagan Puja. The police have requested a list of the security guards deployed at the venue, as well as other personnel tasked with crowd management.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia payment.
The Prime Minister has also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. Those injured will be given Rs 50,000 each. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that she is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the stampede. She said, “I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured.”