19 Killed in Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede, CM Announces ₹25 Lakh Relief, Seven Arrested
A tragic stampede at Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal has claimed the lives of 19 people and injured at least 25 others. The disaster occurred around 7:30 PM after sudden heavy rainfall prompted a rush into the pandal, causing a structural collapse and panic. Visitors scrambling for cover became trapped as incoming crowds clashed with those surging towards narrow exits. Chief Minister Shivendu Adhikari visited the injured at Kolkata Medical College, announcing a fact-finding committee, a special task force, a government job, and twenty-five lakh rupees compensation for the families of the deceased. Injured victims will receive five lakh rupees and complete coverage of medical expenses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced two lakh rupees for the families of each deceased and fifty thousand rupees for the injured. Police have detained several organizers and arrested seven individuals amid allegations of severe crowd management lapses.
Kolkata Stampede Kills 19: TMC Targets BJP, Amit Shah Visits Injured
A major political row has erupted in West Bengal following a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that claimed nineteen lives and left over twenty people injured. The Trinamool Congress has demanded accountability and the resignation of Chief Minister Shubendu Adhikari, alleging that his nephew, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Member of Legislative Assembly, serves as the president of the Chorbagan Puja Committee. Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his scheduled public engagements in Bengal to visit the injured victims admitted at the Calcutta Medical College alongside the Chief Minister. The Union Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the state government regarding potential security lapses. Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have arrested key office bearers, including the general secretary and vice president of the committee, on negligence charges, while shutting down the pandal under Section 163 and stepping up crowd management measures across Kolkata.
Kolkata Pandal Stampede: Seven Arrested After 19 Killed; Organisers Booked
Kolkata Police have arrested seven people in connection with the deadly Durga Puja pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives. The arrested individuals include the Puja committee's secretary, vice president, committee office bearers, private security staff, crowd control personnel, and the bamboo structure contractor. A suo motu complaint was registered at Girish Park Police Station, following which 14 people were initially detained and seven subsequently arrested under non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Section 110, and Section 3(5). A special investigation team formed by Kolkata Police is reviewing CCTV footage and questioning potential witnesses to determine the trigger of the incident. Emerging accounts point to either panic sparked by an announcement or a sudden rush into the pandal due to heavy downpour. While questions have been raised regarding police deployment and crowd safety measures at the venue, investigators and forensic teams continue to examine the site.
Kolkata Pandal Stampede: 19 Dead, 14 Detained As Police Ban Gatherings
A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has left 19 people dead and several others injured, with seventeen victims declared dead on arrival at the hospital and two succumbing later. Following the tragedy, Kolkata Police imposed Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Section 163 around the site, prohibiting public gatherings and sealing the pandal and adjacent lanes. Eyewitnesses highlighted severe lapses, including narrow entry and exit points, inadequate security deployment, and overcrowding in a restricted by-lane. Reports indicate that an announcement warning of potential damage to the structure due to overcrowding triggered panic among visitors. Police have registered a First Information Report, invoking culpable homicide charges, and detained 14 people, including event organisers. A Special Investigation Team and forensic officials have seized closed-circuit television footage from the location as the investigation continues.