Kolkata, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Police have detained 12 people, including organisers, volunteers and others, for questioning in connection with the stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that claimed 19 lives.
A forensic team arrived at the stampede site on Muktarambabu Street in north Kolkata on Sunday to examine the scene. At least 25 injured people are undergoing treatment at state-run hospitals.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the puja pandal at around 1 a.m. to inspect the site and speak with police personnel and organisers. His visit came after he met the families of the deceased and injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for a member of each deceased person’s family. He also announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.
“Rs 5 lakh will also be given to each injured person, and the entire treatment cost at any hospital of their choice will be borne by the government. An SIT headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court will investigate the incident. The SIT will comprise members from STF, CID and other departments,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each person who died in the stampede. In a post on X, Modi described the incident as saddening and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the deaths, describing the news as extremely heartbreaking.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his Durga Puja-related engagements scheduled for Sunday and said he was in touch with Adhikari regarding the incident.
The stampede occurred when a large number of devotees gathered at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata to catch a glimpse of the idols. Tension reportedly broke out among visitors after a portion of the exit-gate structure collapsed, amid the heavy crowd.
The injured were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and two other state-run hospitals. Around 17 people were initially declared brought dead at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 injured people were admitted for treatment. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition. The death toll subsequently rose to 19 on Sunday.
Urging organisers across the state to strengthen safety arrangements, Adhikari said around 58,000 Durga Puja celebrations were taking place across West Bengal and called for greater caution in crowd management.
He stressed that organisers must follow police and fire brigade instructions regarding adequate lighting, entry and exit points, security and overall safety. He also urged the public to cooperate while continuing traditional religious observances.
Adhikari said that crowd management and safety could not be left to the police alone, adding that organisers and other stakeholders must identify shortcomings and take corrective measures. He called for action within the next two to three days to prevent similar incidents.
The Chief Minister also announced that public representatives and bureaucrats from the Central and state governments would refrain from participating in festivals over the next two to three days. Government programmes scheduled through the cultural and tourism departments were being cancelled, although religious worship would continue, he said.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, Adhikari said devotees had arrived from Bihar and several other parts of the country to visit Kolkata’s prominent Durga Puja pandals. He said those found responsible would be identified through the investigation, including an examination of CCTV footage.
The investigation is underway to establish the circumstances that led to the stampede and determine responsibility for the incident.
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