Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: At least 17 feared dead after rain triggers rush at Chorbagan pandal
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK Kolkata, October 17: At least 17 people were feared dead and around 25–30 others were rushed to Calcutta…
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kolkata, October 17: At least 17 people were feared dead and around 25–30 others were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in central Kolkata on Saptami evening, according to television reports citing hospital sources.
The incident occurred on Muktaram Babu Street after a sudden spell of rain prompted thousands of people gathered at the pandal to seek shelter. Many of the injured were reportedly in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
Sudden Rain Triggers Rush at Crowded Pandal
According to accounts cited in the report, visitors gathered in narrow lanes leading to the pandal rushed towards shelter when the rain began. Those inside struggled to get out, while people caught outside tried to push their way in, resulting in severe congestion.
Several people reportedly fell over one another on a makeshift staircase, triggering the stampede. The incident is believed to have unfolded within five to seven minutes.
A portion of the iron structure beneath which the idol of Goddess Durga was installed was also suspected to have collapsed, potentially adding to the casualties. The exact sequence of events, however, remained unclear.
Narrow Exits and Crowd Management Under Scrutiny
The pandal, celebrating its 91st year, is located along a narrow stretch with multiple lanes leading to the main entrance. The report raised questions about crowd management and the availability of clear exit routes during the rush.
A visitor alleged that the adjoining Parbati Ghosh Lane had been closed and ambulances were not allowed through. The visitor also claimed that local residents rushed to rescue people trapped in the crowd. These accounts had not been independently confirmed in the report.
Another visitor said three friends accompanying him fell to the ground during the incident. He said he tried to pull them out and was later joined by others who helped rescue them.
Chief Minister Visits Site, Police Begin Identification
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the stampede site and later went to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. State Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee also visited the hospital.
Police sources said efforts were underway to identify the deceased and injured, many of whom were believed to have travelled from districts outside Kolkata.
The Kolkata Police shut down the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja following the incident. The police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation initially declined to provide details, telling television reporters that they were checking what had happened.
Police Issue Helpline Numbers
The Kolkata Police’s Lalbazar Control Room has opened two helplines for information and assistance related to the incident:
- 180034556782
- 033-22141310
Political Leaders Express Grief
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee also expressed grief and called for a proper investigation and accountability. He said public safety was the state government’s responsibility, adding, “There can be no greater priority than people’s lives.”
The incident has once again raised concerns over crowd management and emergency access at heavily visited Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.
