UPDATED: Oct 18, 2026 07:42 IST
Twelve people, including Durga Puja organisers and volunteers, have been detained following a deadly stampede at the Chorbagan pandal in Kolkata. The tragedy claimed nineteen lives and left twenty-four others injured after rain triggered a massive crowd surge. Kolkata Police are examining CCTV footage to identify crowd mismanagement lapses. The Chief Minister announced strict action against those responsible, confirming that a sitting Calcutta High Court judge will lead a Special Investigation Team comprising the Special Task Force, Criminal Investigation Department, and other agencies. The state government announced twenty-five lakh rupees and a job for the victims' families, alongside five lakh rupees and medical coverage for the injured.
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19 Killed in Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede; Probe Ordered, Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia
At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. Following heavy rainfall, devotees in narrow queues rushed towards the pandal for shelter, leading to overcrowding and the subsequent tragedy. Authorities confirmed that 24 of the 25 injured persons are now out of danger and receiving treatment at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. A compensation of 25 lakh rupees and government jobs have been announced for the families of the deceased, alongside five lakh rupees for each injured person, with the state bearing all medical expenses. A comprehensive investigation is underway involving the Kolkata Police, forensic teams, and state disaster personnel, with a request to the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to oversee the probe. Both state and central authorities are coordinating relief efforts, while political events in the state have been cancelled in the wake of the incident.
Ruchika Chauhan: 'Thirteen People Have Passed Away' in Gwalior Shitala Mata Temple Accident
A tragic accident occurred outside the Shitala Mata temple on the outskirts of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, where an overloaded paddy-laden truck broke police barricades and crashed into the entrance. Over 40 pilgrims, gathered during Navratri celebrations, were struck around 1:30 AM. Gwalior District Magistrate Ruchika Chauhan confirmed that "around thirteen people have passed away" and thirty people were injured, with five to six in critical condition. She stated, "What we know right now is that this truck was kind of parked behind the barriers of the police and the circumstances are not clear under which it started rolling towards the temple." Chauhan added that two Home Guard personnel were also injured and authorities are actively enquiring into how the vehicle moved down the slope, while immediate medical care was arranged at the trauma centre.
Tragedy Hits Kolkata Durga Puja: 17 Dead in Pandal Rush, Audit Ordered
A tragic incident during Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations in north Kolkata has resulted in the deaths of 17 people and left 25 others injured. The incident occurred around 7:30 to 8:00 pm at a crowded pandal located in a narrow, congested by-lane amid rainfall. Officials noted that an announcement over a microphone by the club triggered a stampede-like and suffocation incident. The administration announced that the government will abstain from ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, and scheduled VIP pandal visits have been cancelled. Forensic and fire services personnel were dispatched to secure the place of occurrence and gather evidence without tampering. All registered Sarbojanin Durga Puja committees across Kolkata and districts have been instructed to conduct an immediate security audit of their entrances, exits, and crowd management systems in coordination with the police. Standard operating procedures, including tiered rope management and barricading, are being reviewed as the priority remains the medical treatment of the injured.
NSUI Candle March In Delhi For Ankita Bhandari Justice Sparks Police Barricades
National Students' Union of India activists organised a candle march towards Jantar Mantar along Raisina Road in Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. Protesters raised slogans criticising the appointment of the Sikkim Governor and called for a fast-paced investigation into the case. Demonstrators stated they took to the streets to amplify the concerns of Bhandari's parents. Large contingents of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel set up barricades along the route to halt the demonstration. The protest follows an earlier demonstration where opposition leaders and student activists gathered before being stopped by police authorities.