The Kolkata Durga Puja stampede in north Kolkata, which claimed at least 19 lives and left 25 others injured, was caused by a crowd surge amid rain on Saturday evening, the day of Maha Saptami.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who rushed to the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where the victims were taken, also announced that his government will provide Rs 25 lakh and a Group D govt job for the family of each deceased.
Read more: 19 killed, 25 injured in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, Bengal orders safety checks at pandals
Kolkata pandal stampede: What led to the chaos?
A sudden rush of people, heavy rain and alleged confusion over announcements and entry-exit routes are among the factors being examined following a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening.
The stampede occurred around 7.15 pm on Maha Saptami, when a large crowd waiting along the narrow Radha Madhab Saha Lane to enter the pandal reportedly surged forward as rain began to fall. Visitors inside were caught in the rush and struggled to reach the exit as people ahead blocked their way. Several people reportedly fell down a flight of stairs near the exit and were trampled by those behind them, reported TOI.
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According to CM Adhikari, a misleading announcement by the puja committee is also suspected to have added to the confusion, while the blowing of whistles by private security guards may have triggered a rush among visitors. “Initial input from the ACP who was present at the spot suggests that the incident was triggered by an announcement made by a private security agency and the blowing of whistles,” Adhikari said.
Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede: Eyewitnesses recall horror
Eyewitnesses to the stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal said continuous rainfall and overcrowding contributed to the chaos, with devotees reportedly rushing to find shelter from the rain.
Speaking to ANI, eyewitness Vinay Kumar said that despite the police administration being present at the site, the crowd became difficult to manage amid the sudden rush.
"This tragic incident occurred due to continuous rainfall. There was an excessive crowd here, and they did not want to get out in the rain. The police administration was fully functional, but the crowd could not be handled," he said.
Another eyewitness, Uttam, described the immediate response following the incident, stating that police personnel and local civil volunteers were present at the site to assist the affected people. He added that the local MLA was also involved in coordinating arrangements and ensuring medical assistance for the injured.
Locals also questioned the police deployment at the venue, claiming that personnel were largely stationed near the VIP entrance. "I have not seen adequate police presence this year. This resulted in the mismanagement," Chorbagan resident Sanghamitra Bhowmik told PTI.
Another concern raised by locals was the alleged lack of administrative assistance in taking the injured to hospitals.
"There must be some lapses, but these should be probed. Whether lapses were on the part of the organisers or they had flouted the rules to erect the pandal will be checked," the police officer told PTI.
A forensic team visited the site late on Saturday to collect evidence. Police are questioning the organisers and examining CCTV footage, while also seeking details of the security guards and other personnel deployed to manage the crowd. Officers who were posted at the venue will also be questioned as part of the investigation.
Adhikari orders safety review of pandals
CM Adhikari said the incident had raised concerns about safety arrangements at crowded Durga Puja venues.
The chief minister announced the formation of a high-level committee to inspect major Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal and assess crowd management, exit routes, lighting and structural safety. The panel will be headed by Disaster Management Principal Secretary Rajesh Sinha, Fire Services Director General Anuj Sharma and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Javed Shamim.
A toll-free helpline, 18003455678, has also been set up to help people seeking information about those affected.
PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each person killed in the incident. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the incident and said he had spoken to Adhikari about the matter.