On the seventh day of Durga Puja in Kolkata, a stampede-like situation erupted at the pandal of the Chorbagan Sarvajanin Durgotsava Samiti. A large number of devotees gathered for the darshan of Goddess Durga. Meanwhile, the heavy rain outside caused chaos in the pandal. Many people are reported to have been injured in the incident. The injured have been taken to the Calcutta Medical College Hospital, where many are said to be in critical condition.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reached the hospital
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya reached the hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. Seventeen people are reported to have died in the accident, while dozens have been injured.
The incident happened around 7:30 pm
Puja organizers say that the mandap was filled with people. It started raining, and people rushed inside because of the rain. An accident occurred at this time. The incident took place around 7:30 pm. It is reported that four to five people were injured in the accident. It should be noted that on the evening of Saptami, a huge crowd gathered in the Mandap for the darshan of Goddess Durga. The crowd was so big that there was no room to stand. The accident may have occurred due to the collapse of a part or structure of the porch. Panic spread immediately after this sudden incident.
#WATCH | North Kolkata, West Bengal | A stampede-like situation was reported at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal. The injured were shifted to the hospital. More details awaited. https://t.co/EZm78mo5mN
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2026
An accident occurred when a part of the mandap collapsed
A visitor said, “I heard that a part of the porch had collapsed. Everyone started running for their lives. They were falling and being crushed.” Another visitor said there was a huge crowd. During the rain, people started entering the porch to escape, and the crowd swelled and the rush of people led to a stampede at once.
Local residents and visitors have also raised questions about the crowd control system. “Thousands of volunteers and police were present, but no preemptive action was taken. Such a big incident is happening. We are seeing it before our eyes,” said a local.
Locals alleged that a Kolkata Police vehicle was parked there, but the police did nothing. “We, the local people, did it. Nobody from the puja committee showed up,” he added, alleging that there was no ambulance for such a big puja.
Allegation of negligence on Puja Committee
The parked cars of the neighbors were also removed. According to locals, if that car had been there, at least 10 people could have been saved. This arrangement was made only for VIPs and guests, not for general public.
In Chorbagan Pavilion, after the pandal, there is a circular “elevated corridor”. One has to turn 360 degrees to exit the pavilion. Initially, it was said that there was an accident in this corridor.
Chorbagan Sarvajanin Durga Puja Samiti’s theme for 2026 is “Aarav”, which means “beyond sound”. Crowds thronged to see this pooja pandal.
Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal.
I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 17, 2026
Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the accident
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the accident. He wrote on Instagram, “Deeply saddened to hear about the stampede at the Chorbagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Goddess Durga for a speedy recovery to all the injured and give their families courage and strength in this difficult time.”
