Kolkata, Oct. 17: At least 17 people were reported dead and several others injured after a stampede-like situation at the Chor Bagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening.
According to Kolkata Police, the incident occurred around 7:40 pm on October 17 at the exit gate of the Sarada Park pandal under Girish Park police station. Heavy crowding amid rainfall reportedly triggered the incident.
Police said injured people were rescued and shifted to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment. Around 35 people had reportedly been taken to the hospital, according to the police statement.
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede | Police Close Pandal as Officials Visit Hospital
Kolkata Police deployed additional personnel, fire brigade teams, disaster management staff and ambulances with medical teams to the spot. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal and Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee visited Calcutta Medical College Hospital to review the situation and assess arrangements for the injured.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the incident in a post on X. She prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and offered condolences to their families.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed sadness over the reported loss of lives. He said he had spoken with Adhikari about the situation and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Shah also said the administration was working to provide medical care to the injured. He announced that he would postpone his scheduled programmes in West Bengal the following day to visit them at the hospital.
The incident occurred as heavy rain affected Kolkata and neighbouring areas during Durga Puja celebrations. Despite the weather, large numbers of devotees continued visiting pandals across the city.
Rain returned during the evening after a brief lull, adding to the challenging conditions during the festive rush. The stampede-like incident at Chor Bagan prompted an emergency response from police and other services.
Further details about the victims and the circumstances leading to the incident were awaited.
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