UPDATED: Oct 18, 2026 11:55 IST
A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata claimed 19 lives and injured at least 25 others after sudden rain triggered a massive rush and part of the structure collapsed. Visitors scrambling for cover clashed with exiting crowds, turning the stairs near the exit gate into a fatal trap. Following the tragedy, police detained 14 people and arrested seven, including the pandal secretary and vice president. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari announced a fact-finding committee and a special task force to probe the incident. Meanwhile, political controversy erupted as the Trinamool Congress attacked the state government, questioning crowd management and police priorities regarding VIP security during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit. TMC demanded accountability and targeted the pandal committee's alleged political links. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia compensation of two lakh rupees for the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for each injured victim.
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Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: Amit Shah Cancels Bengal Events, Meets Injured at Kolkata Hospital
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Apollo Hospital in Kolkata to meet victims injured in a stampede-like situation at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal. Following the tragedy, Amit Shah cancelled all his scheduled events and prior engagements across West Bengal for the day. Before visiting the hospital, he offered prayers at the Kalighat Temple accompanied by Suvendu Adhikari. At the hospital, the Home Minister interacted with the injured persons and their family members to understand what transpired during the incident and expressed solidarity with them, after which he departed for the airport.
Gwalior Temple Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 15, 33 Injured, PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia
In a tragic incident on the outskirts of Gwalior, the death toll has mounted to 15 after a speeding truck ploughed into crowds of devotees at the entrance of the Shitla Mata Mandir. A total of 33 people have been injured, with five patients remaining in critical condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives, announcing an ex-gratia compensation of two lakh rupees to the kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured. Two police personnel on duty were also injured in the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash.
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.