Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede: Eyewitnesses flag crowd management lapses, police initiates probe
Locals also claimed that police deployment at the pandal was inadequate, alleging that personnel were mainly stationed near the VIP entrance
Kolkata Durga Puja stampede leaves 19 dead, police probing crowd management lapses
Allegations of inadequate police deployment and poor crowd management at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal have emerged following a deadly stampede that occurred on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026. The stampede, which took place amid heavy rain, resulted in the deaths of 19 people and injuries to many others.
Eyewitnesses reported that announcements about entry, exit and crowd movement were inadequate, causing confusion among visitors. Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a local resident, stated that the police presence was insufficient, with personnel mainly stationed near the VIP entrance. She also claimed that there was a lack of administrative assistance in taking the injured to hospitals.
The police have initiated a probe into the incident, examining crowd control measures, venue arrangements, and the response of authorities during the emergency. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, and the organisers of the pandal have been contacted for information. CCTV footage will also be reviewed to determine the roles of various individuals involved during the mishap.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital where the injured are being treated and urged organizers to follow the authorities' advice on pandal construction. The West Bengal Government has set up a toll-free helpline (18003455678) for those seeking information about the incident.
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