At least 18 people died and several others were injured after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity Durga Puja pandal in central Kolkata on Saturday evening. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to meet those injured in the incident.
The stampede occurred at around 7.40 pm near the exit gate of the Sarada Park puja pandal, under Girish Park Police Station, as large crowds gathered at the venue amid rainfall. According to news agency ANI, which cited Kolkata Police, the pandal has been closed to visitors following the incident.
Police said all injured people were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Senior police officials rushed to the spot as emergency arrangements were made.
Heavy rain triggers crowd surge
According to a report by news agency PTI, citing police, the incident followed a sudden surge in the crowd outside the puja pandal.
A senior official told PTI that as rain began, people waiting outside rushed forward. Some fell on the road, triggering a stampede-like situation.
The circumstances surrounding the incident prompted an emergency response, with injured visitors being shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee also visited the hospital to meet those admitted for treatment.
Governor, Mamata Banerjee express grief
Governor RN Ravi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
"I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured," the governor said.
Former chief minister and MAITC chief Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock over the incident in a post on X.
"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal," she wrote.
"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," the TMC chief added.
Helpline numbers issued
The state government has issued a helpline number, 18003455678, for assistance following the incident. Kolkata Police has also activated a helpline at 03322141310 for those seeking information.