India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
At least 17 people were killed and around 40 injured in a stampede-like situation at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17. The incident occurred amid heavy crowding as devotees gathered to celebrate Saptami, with rainfall adding to the difficult conditions.
According to Kolkata Police, the incident took place 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 crowding amid rain reportedly triggered the tragedy.
At least 17 people died and 40 were injured in a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal on October 17, caused by heavy crowds and rain during Saptami celebrations; PM Modi announced financial relief from the PMNRF for victims.
The injured were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for treatment. Police personnel, fire brigade teams, disaster management officials and medical teams were deployed to assist the affected devotees.
PM Modi Announces Financial Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance for the families of those killed and the injured.
“The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister said.
.@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
According to the announcement, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased person. Those injured in the incident will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Amit Shah, Leaders Express Condolences
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the loss of lives and said he had spoken with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the situation.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and the swift recovery of those injured,” Shah said in a post on X.
He said the administration was ensuring the best possible medical care for those injured. Shah also announced that he would postpone his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday to visit the injured at the hospital.
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. She prayed to Maa Durga for the recovery of the injured and wished their families strength and courage during the difficult time.
The incident has cast a shadow over Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations, with authorities responding to the emergency and arrangements being made to provide medical assistance to those affected.
