Tragic Stampede Claims 17 Lives at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal
A devastating stampede during the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata has left at least 17 dead and many injured, prompting swift government action.
Prime Minister Modi announces ₹2 lakh compensation for families of the deceased.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari pledges ₹25 lakh for kin of the deceased and ₹5 lakh for the injured.
Kolkata police have launched helplines to assist affected families.
A tragic incident unfolded during the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata on October 17, 2026, when a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotstab claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, with many others injured. The chaos erupted as a large crowd attempted to exit the pandal following a brief rain shower, leading to a rush that resulted in the stampede.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives. Additionally, the injured will receive ₹50,000 each. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also announced a compensation package of ₹25 lakh for the kin of the deceased and ₹5 lakh for the injured, alongside a commitment to provide government jobs to one family member of each deceased.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that misinformation regarding the collapse of the pandal may have triggered the panic. Local residents reported a lack of emergency services at the scene, which exacerbated the situation. The Kolkata police have since shut down the pandal and initiated rescue operations, with helplines established for those seeking assistance.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and concern from various political leaders, including Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss of life. CM Adhikari has vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede, stating that those responsible for crowd control failures will face action.
As the community mourns, the West Bengal government is focusing on providing immediate support to the affected families and ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. The administration is also coordinating with medical facilities to ensure that all injured receive necessary treatment. Further investigations are expected to be conducted to ascertain the causes of the stampede and prevent future occurrences.
