KOLKATA, October 18, 2026 — At least 19 people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, West Bengal, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and renewed calls for stronger crowd-management measures.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday, saying 17 people died at the scene. Of the 25 injured, 24 were reported to be out of danger, while one remained in critical condition.
The state government announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job for the family of each deceased victim. Every injured person will receive ₹5 lakh, and the government will cover all medical expenses associated with their treatment.
“This is a tragic incident,” Adhikari said, assuring affected families that the government would provide the necessary assistance. He also pledged a fair and transparent investigation into the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have sealed off the site as forensic teams, the Special Task Force (STF) and fire brigade personnel examine the circumstances that led to the stampede. Kolkata Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify possible security lapses and determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.
According to Adhikari, preliminary findings suggest that heavy rainfall and shortcomings in the arrangements made by the puja committee may have contributed to the chaos. He also cited an initial report from an assistant commissioner of police indicating that an announcement by a private security agency, accompanied by whistles, may have triggered the sudden rush.
The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
The Chief Minister said those found responsible for negligence would face legal action. He also announced plans to seek the formation of a fact-finding committee under the leadership of a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court.
Earlier, Kolkata Police said 12 people, including members of the Durga Puja organising committee, had been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.
Eyewitnesses Cite Rain and Overcrowding
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic situation as devotees reportedly crowded the pandal while attempting to avoid the continuous rainfall.
Local resident Vinay Kumar told ANI that the large gathering became difficult to manage despite the presence of police personnel.
Another eyewitness, Uttam, said police officers and local civil volunteers assisted those affected, while the local legislator helped coordinate medical arrangements.
The accounts have highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds during major religious celebrations, particularly when adverse weather conditions prompt sudden changes in the movement of visitors.
Government Announces Relief Measures
Adhikari said the state administration was working through the night to support bereaved families and ensure medical care for the injured. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought a detailed report from the state government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled programmes in West Bengal were cancelled following the tragedy. However, Adhikari said Shah would visit the Medical College at 11 a.m. on Sunday, according to the report.
The state government also cancelled its scheduled programmes for the day.
West Bengal Minister Umesh Rai appealed to political leaders and parties to avoid politicising the incident, stressing that the immediate priority should be assisting the injured and supporting families who had lost loved ones.
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee expressed grief over the deaths and criticised the police administration and the state government. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh similarly called for rescue operations and medical assistance to take precedence over political debate.
Calls for Stronger Crowd-Safety Measures
Following the incident, authorities and political representatives urged Durga Puja organisers across West Bengal to strengthen safety arrangements at pandals.
Rai called for additional entry and exit points, adequate lighting in crowded areas and immediate action when visitor numbers become excessive.
Organisers in Siliguri have reportedly increased the number of volunteers, expanded public announcements and strengthened police deployment to improve crowd movement and safety.
Adhikari said the state was taking steps to prevent similar incidents at the thousands of Durga Puja celebrations taking place across West Bengal.
The tragedy at Chorbagan has raised urgent questions about crowd control, emergency planning and coordination among event organisers, private security agencies and police personnel. The investigation is expected to examine these factors and determine whether failures in safety arrangements contributed to the loss of life.
As families mourn the victims and the injured continue to receive treatment, authorities face the immediate task of providing relief while establishing how the tragedy occurred and what measures are needed to prevent a recurrence. ANI
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