India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
KOLKATA: Heavy rain, an already overcrowded pandal and narrow entry and exit gates were among the factors eyewitnesses cited while describing the moments leading up to the stampede-like situation at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening. At least 17 people were killed and 35 injured in the incident during Saptami celebrations.
According to eyewitnesses, a sudden downpour prompted devotees waiting outside to rush into the pandal for shelter. However, the venue was already packed with visitors, leaving little room for movement as more people attempted to enter.
A stampede-like situation at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening, caused by heavy rain and narrow gates overwhelming crowds, resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people and injuries to 35 others.
“People had come to visit the pandal, and there was a large crowd. Suddenly, it started raining heavily. People began entering the pandal, but it was already crowded inside,” an eyewitness said, recounting the sequence of events before the tragedy.
A senior police officer also said the crowd waiting outside surged forward when the rain began. Some people fell on the road, triggering the stampede-like situation.
.@SuvenduWB @KolkataPoliceচোরবাগান পুজোয় ভয়ঙ্কর দুর্ঘটনা। উদ্বেগজনক খবর আসছে। প্রশাসন অবিলম্বে সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব দিয়ে দেখুন। আমরা খবর রাখছি। মিডিয়াকে সঠিক খবর প্রচারে যেন বাধা দেওয়া না হয়। তবে এলাকা ফাঁকা করতে সাহায্য করুন। দর্শকরা এখন ওদিকে যাবেন না। ভুল খবরে আতঙ্ক ছড়াবেন না। আবার ঘটনা চাপতে গিয়ে যেন উল্টো সমস্যা না হয়। মেডিকেল কলেজে অবিলম্বে জরুরী বিভাগে ডাক্তার ও কর্মী বাড়ানো হোক।
— Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) October 17, 2026
Narrow Entry and Exit Gates Under Scrutiny
Eyewitnesses also raised concerns over the narrow entrance and exit gates, suggesting that the limited space made it difficult for people to move during the sudden rush.
“The entrance was very narrow, and the exit gate was also narrow. There was no lighting in the area,” said another witness, whose daughter and granddaughter were hospitalised after the incident.
The account has brought attention to the arrangements for managing large crowds at one of north Kolkata’s popular Durga Puja destinations, particularly during peak visiting hours and adverse weather conditions.
Another eyewitness described the desperate scenes that followed as several people lost consciousness amid the crush. According to the witness, some of those who fainted were taken away on motorcycles as people tried to get them medical assistance.
“I witnessed this happening all around,” the eyewitness said.
Police and Emergency Teams Rush to the Spot
The incident occurred at around 7.40 pm near the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, under the Girish Park police station area.
Heavy police deployment was reported along the lane leading to the pandal near Ram Mandir on Central Avenue. Disaster management personnel and fire services teams also reached the site as senior police officers assessed the situation.
The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors, and the injured were evacuated to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Puja organisers reportedly assisted in the rescue efforts.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal and Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee visited the hospital as authorities responded to the emergency.
The state government also announced a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, for assistance following the incident.
Rain Adds to Saptami Crowd Pressure
Heavy rainfall had affected Kolkata and adjoining areas from Saturday afternoon, with showers returning in the evening after a brief lull. Despite the weather, devotees continued visiting pandals across the city to celebrate Durga Puja.
Chorbagan Sarbojanin, which is celebrating its 91st year, is a popular destination for pandal-hoppers.
