UPDATED: Oct 18, 2026 16:03 IST
A tragic pandal collapse and subsequent stampede in Kolkata's Chorbagan has resulted in 19 deaths, sparking a massive political confrontation. The Trinamool Congress has targeted the administration over crowd management, security lapses, and an inadequate emergency response, alleging a severe shortage of ambulances and police personnel on site. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee questioned the role of the chief minister's nephew, who was listed as the chief patron of the pandal, demanding accountability and arrests. Meanwhile, spokesperson Kunal Ghosh demanded the resignation or dismissal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, accusing the puja committee of being compromised and raising concerns that key culprits remaining outside prison could influence the ongoing investigation into the fatal disaster.
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19 Dead In Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede; 7 Arrested As Kin Flag Lapses
A massive stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata has claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including 13 women and six minors, leaving over 25 others injured. The mishap occurred after heavy rainfall caused visitors to rush into the pandal for shelter, creating a severe choke point at the narrow exit lane. Families of the victims have blamed the Puja organizers and local administration for poor crowd management, narrow passage lanes, and inadequate lighting. Following the incident, police arrested seven individuals, including committee organizers, and imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita around the area. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, held high-level meetings to review security and crowd control measures across West Bengal, while several other pandals with heavy footfalls were temporarily closed as a precaution.