At least 17 people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede-like situation at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening. The incident occurred as large crowds gathered
at the venue to celebrate Durga Puja on Saptami.
According to reports, heavy crowds and hot weather contributed to the situation, triggering panic among devotees. A section of the pandal was also reported to have collapsed amid the rush, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Injured Taken To Hospital
At least 17 dead, 35 people were injured in the incident, police said. The injured were taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment, while the pandal was temporarily closed to manage the situation.
Reports also suggested that some people fell ill due to the heat and overcrowding, while rumours of a stampede reportedly added to the panic. Authorities and puja organisers stepped in to control the crowd and assist those affected.
Senior Officials Reach Hospital
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached Calcutta Medical College Hospital amid reports of several people being injured in the incident.
Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached Calcutta Medical College amid reports of a stampede-like situation at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal. Several people are feared injured, with the injured being taken to the hospital. Further details are awaited.
— IANS (@ians_india) October 17, 2026
Police personnel and disaster management officials also reached the site after receiving information about the situation. Puja organisers reportedly assisted in evacuating people and arranging medical attention for those affected.
PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Kolkata Stampede
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that the stampede in Kolkata was “extremely distressing” and expressed condolences to those who lost their loved ones. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and said the local administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2026
Mamata Banerjee Expresses Grief Over Incident
West Bengal former CM Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the incident in a post on social media.
Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal.
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.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 17, 2026
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal,” she said.
She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and wished strength and courage to their families during the difficult time.
Further details about the injured and the cause of the incident are awaited.
Following the accident at the Chorb Bagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, the West Bengal government has launched a toll-free helpline. People can call 18003455678 for information related to the accident.
